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Webster  Family  Library  of  Veterinary  Medicine 
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ufis  University 
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am 


DOGS: 


Management  and  Treatment 


DISEASE 


A  STUDY  OF  THE  THEOBY  AND  PRACTICE  OF  CANINE 
MEDICINE. 


SECOND  EDITION,  REVISED  AND  ENLARGED. 


By   ASHMONT. 


PUBLISHED  BY 

J.  LORING  THAYER, 
Boston:   1891, 


S<=avr 
(Mb 


PREFACE 


The  rapid  advancement  in  science  has  wrought  many  changes  in 
the  principles  and  practice  of  medicine,  added  new  remedies  to  the 
resources  of  the  physician,  exploded  many  old  theories,  and  dissi- 
pated countless  fancies  and  prejudices.  Well  worn  paths  have 
been  left,  new  fields  traversed,  and  discoveries  made,  which  aid  not 
only  in  the  cure,  but  in  the  prevention  of  disease.  Important 
lessons  have  been  taught,  and  the  limits  of  knowledge  extended,  by 
trials  of  endurance  which  have  developed  unsuspected  latent 
powers,  both  in  man  and  animals.  Further  progress  will  yet  be 
made,  of  which  speculation  is  fruitless. 

To  place  before  the  reader  a  faithful  exposition  of  medicine,  as 
it  exists  at  the  present  time,  is  the  purpose  of  the  author.  No 
finished  treatise  is  attempted,  replete  with  scientific  technicalities, 
calculated  to  confuse  and  mystify,  but  in  simple,  comprehensive 
language  and  expression,  on  these  pages  are  described  the  promi- 
nent appearances  in  disease,  and  the  manner  of  applying  remedies, 
sustained  largely  by  the  results  of  personal  observation. 

This  book  is  submitted  with  the  ardent  hope  it  may  be  found  a 
source  of  instruction,  and  aid  in  the  care  of  man's  true  and  faithful 
friend,  the  Dog. 

ASHMONT. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER  I. 

GENERAL  MANAGEMENT. 

PAGE 

Introduction.— The  Care  of  Puppies  after  "Weaning.— Feeding.— Exercise.— 

Washing.— Kennel  Arrangements.— Grooming.— Vermin.         ...      I 


CHAPTER  II. 

ANTIDOTES  AND  TREATMENT  IN  CASES   OF  POISONING. 

General  Remarks.— Rules  in  using  Medicine. — Arsenic— Strychnine  and  Nux 
Vomica.— Carbolic  Acid.— Phosphorus.— Mercury.— Lead  Salts.— Gen- 
eral Antidote 15 

CHAPTER  III. 

THE  PRINCIPLES  OF  MEDICINE. 

Pathology.— Definition  of  Health.— Diagnosis.— Reasoning  by  way  of  Exclu- 
sion.—Prognosis.— Prognostics.— Causation.— Administering  Medicine.    .    19 

CHAPTER  IV. 

SPECIAL  PATHOLOGY  AND  THERAPEUTICS. 

Introduction.— Definition  of  terms  Acute,  Subacute,  and  Chronic— Self-limited 
Duration  of  Certain  Diseases.— The  Expectant  Plan  of  Treatment- 
Rules  for  Estimating  the  Doses  of  Medicine.— Examination  of  a  Dog.— 
Indications  of  the  Pulse.— Importance  of  Hygienic  Measures  of  Treat- 
ment  23 

DISEASES   AFFECTING  THE  RESPIRATORY   ORGANS. 

Acute  Pleurisy.— Chronic  Pleurisy.— Pneumonia.— Bronchitis.— Consumption. 
—Asthma. — Acute  Laryngitis.— Chronic  Laryngitis. — Acute  Catarrh.— 
Nasal  Polypus.— Ozsena. — Influenza.      . 25 

CHAPTER  V. 

AFFECTIONS  OF   THE  MOUTH  AND  TONGUE. 

Eruption  of  the  Teeth.— Treatment  of  the  Teeth.— Softening  of  the  Gums.— 
Cancrum  Oris.—  Salivation.  —  Blain.—  Inflammation  of  the  Tongue.— 
Pharyngitis 49 


IV.  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

DISEASES  AFFECTING  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM. 

Indigestion.— Acute  Gastritis.—  Chronic  Gastritis.— Vomiting.—  Colic  —  Diar- 
rhoea.—Dysentery.— Constipation.— Enteritis.— Intestinal  Obstruction.— 
Peritonitis.— Piles.— Fistula  in  Ano.— Prolapsus  Ani.-Fissure  of  the  Anus.  55 

CHAPTER  VII. 

DISEASES  AFFECTING  THE  SOLID  ORGANS   OF  THE  ABDOMEN. 

Acute  Hepatitis.— Chronic  Hepatitis.— Fatty  Liver.— Jaundice.— Torpor  of  the 
Liver.— Passage  of  Gall  Stones.— Cancer  of  the  Liver.— Affections  of  the 
Spleen.— Diseases  of  the  Pancreas.— Sugar  in  the  Liver.— Digestion  of 
Starch 83 

CHAPTER  Vin. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS. 

Nephritis.— Acute  Cystitis.— Chronic  Cystitis.— Cystic  Calculi.— Renal  Calculi. 

—Retention  of  Urine.— Hematuria 97 


CHAPTER  IX. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  GENERATIVE  ORGANS. 

Balanitis.— Paraphymosis.— Inflammation  of  the  Scrotum.— Morbid  Growths. 
—Prolapse  of  the  Vagina.— Polypi  of  the  Vagina— Acute  Metritis.— 
Affections  of  the  Vulva.  105 


CHAPTER  X. 

DISEASES   OF  THE   EYE. 

Ophthalmia.— Iritis.— Cataract— Amaurosis.— Protrusion    of  the  Eyeball.— 

Lachrymal  Apparatus.— Affections  of  the  Haw.— Affections  of  the  Eyelids.  Ill 


CHAPTER  XI. 

DISEASES   OF  THE  EAR. 

Canker.— Otitis,  Media  or  Interna.— Polypus.— Deafness.— Affections  of  the 

Flap  of  the  Ear. 119 


CHAPTER  XII. 
DISEASES  OF  THE   SKIN. 

Eczema.— Sarcoptic  Mange. — Follicular  Mange.— Prurigo.— Pruritus.— Favus. 

—Ringworm. — Erythema.— Erysipelas. 127 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

INTESTINAL  PARASITES. 


PAGE 

General  Remarks.— Giant  Strongle. — Wrinkled  Thread-worm.— Cruel  Thread- 
worm.—Ascaris  Marginata.— Taenia 143 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 

Hydrophobia.— Convulsions.— Vertigo.— Apoplexy.— Concussion  of  the  Brain.— 
Hydrocephalus.— Compression  of  the  Brain.— Acute  Meningitis.— Chronic 
Meningitis.— Chorea.— Neuralgia.— Paralysis.— Tetanus 151 

CHAPTER  XV. 

GENERAL  DISEASES. 

Distemper. — Diphtheria. — Rheumatism. — Lumbago. — Eruptive  Fevers. — 
Dropsy.— Anaemia.— Plethora.—  Obesity.—  Rickets. —  Scrofula. —  Maras- 
mus  181 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

SURGICAL  AFFECTIONS. 

Wounds.— Umbilical  Hernia.— Sprains.— Burns  and   Scalds.— Fractures  and 

Dislocations 199 


CHAPTER  XVII. 
SEXUAL  GENERATION. 

Ovulation.— Ovaries.— Size  and  Appearance  of  the  Eggs.— Their  Ripening  and 
Discharge.— Fecundation  of  the  Germ.— Conditions  of  their  Impregna- 
tion.—OUstruation.— Duration  —When  to  Mate.— Enforced  Concourse.       205 


DOGS: 


THEIR 


MANAGEMENT  AND   TREATMENT 
IN  DISEASE. 


CHtfPTE®  /. 


IJYTR  OB  UCTIOJY. 

As  the  object  of  this  work  is  to  treat  of  the  dog  in  a  state  of  disease,  the 
author  has  deemed  it  expedient  to  confine  himself  to  those  essential  con- 
siderations in  keeping  with  his  purpose,  reserving  for  a  future  effort  the 
subject  of  Breeding  and  attendant  interests. 

The  introduction  of  general  management  which  might  seem  extraneous,  is 
yet  pursuant  of  this  design,  on  the  assumption  that  a  knowledge  of  the 
prevention  of  disease,  is  intimately  associated  with  the  study  of  pathology, 
and  holds  a  place  scarcely  inferior  to  that  of  a  familiarity  with  the  princi- 
ples and  practice  of  medicine. 

Many  diseases  are  preventable  by  removing  or  obviating  their  causes; 
reforms  in  ventilation,  cleanliness  and  diet,  there  is  reason  to  believe, 
accomplish  much,  and  are  among  the  most  important  modes  by  which 
diseases  may  be  prevented. 

The  care  of  puppies  from  the  period  of  weaning,  is  treated  of  in  a  gen- 
eral way.  In  the  management  of  dogs  after  maturity  is  reached,  minor 
details  are  dwelt  upon,  it  being  assumed  that,  to  some  at  least,  their  con- 
sideration may  prove  of  value. 

The  number  of  drugs  capable  of  producing  death,  under  certain  condi- 
tions, is  almost  limitless,  as  medicines,  possessing  sufficient  activity  to  be 
of  much  value,  are  always  poisons  in  inordinate  or  excessive  quantities. 


2  IXTRODUCTIOX. 

In  the  chapter  devoted  to  the  subject,  the  action  of  dangerous  agents,  more 
generally  encountered,  is  discussed. 

In  the  consideration  of  the  different  diseases,  cmises,  symptoms,  treatment 
and  prognosis  are  each  of  recognized  importance,  and  diagnosis  if  necessary 
to  discriminate  from  one  of  several  diseases  with  which  it  has  more  or 
less  symptomatic  phenomena  in  common.* 

To  dwell  on  pathological  anatomy,  or  the  appearances  in  a  morbid  or  dis- 
eased state,  must  necessarily  confuse  the  reader  and  reference  excepting 
in  rare  instances  is  avoided. 

In  the  arrangement  of  diseases  convenience  is  studied.  Under  general 
diseases  are  considered  all  unclassified. 

It  is  implied  that  operative  surgery  is  beyond  the  capacity  of  many,  and 
as  an  exhaustive  treatise  on  the  subject  would  prove  of  but  little  value, 
only  the  simpler  operations,  and  treatment  in  cases  of  emergency  are  con- 
sidered. 

The  final  chapter  is  devoted  to  reproduction,  that  very  interesting  process 
being  briefly  reviewed.  Several  pages  are  allotted  to  ozstruation,  and  in  a 
series  of  hints,  rather  than  in  an  attempted  treatise  on  the  subject,  some 
practical  information  is  submitted. 


The  Care  of  Puppies  After  Weaning. 


One  of  the  greatest  essentials  in  the  rearing  of  puppies,  especially  the 
case  in  large  breeds,  is  sufficient  exercise.  Under  no  consideration  chain 
them,  but  allow  almost  absolute  freedom  of  movement.  If  kept  in  a  pen,  it 
should  be  large  and  so  constructed  that  they  can  lie  down  or  stand  on  all 
fours  and  look  between  the  boards ;  for  standing  on  the  hind  legs  to  look 
over,  would  invite  weak  backs  and  cow-hacks.  The  sleeping  quarters  should 
be  kept  scrupulously  clean,  frequently  whitewashed,  and  free  from  draughts. 
Tn  the  warmer  weather,  pine  shavings  or  sawdust  is  the  best  bedding;  in 
winter,  use  clean  straw,  and  change  it  frequently. 

In  feeding  puppies,  their  discharges  should  be  watched,  and  the  diet  varied 
as  the  need  manifests  itself.  Milk  is  one  of  the  most  important  articles  of 
food  in  the  earlier  weeks  after  weaning.  It  may  be  frequently  given; 
some  caution  must  be  used,  however.  It  should  be  old  or  skimmed  — never 
fresh  from  the  cow.  Three  or  four  times  a  week,  sour  milk  may  be  given, 
as  it  is  an  enemy  to  worms.  It  will  be  well  to  add  limewater  to  sweet  milk 
when  used.    The  proportion  should  be  nearly  one-sixth  part. 

Sometimes  when  feeding  milk  freely  to  very  young  puppies,  diarrhoea 
manifests  itself.  A  change  must  at  once  be  made  to  beef  tea  and  broths,  into 
which  may  be  broken  crackers  or  bread.  Too  much  importance  cannot  be 
given  to  the  early  administration  of  meat,  which  must  be  fresh  and  lean. 
Unsound  food  should  never  be  used  in  any  form.  Meat  may  be  given  raw  or 
cooked,  — small  quantities  of  the  former  at  first,  — and  when  the  age  of  three 
or  four  months  is  reached,  let  it  be  scraped  or  finely  cut,  and  given  after  other 
food  has  been  eaten. 

Meat  may  be  cooked  alone  or  with  vegetables,— onions  in  small  quantities 
are  especially  healthy  and  palatable,  — then  removed,  and  in  the  liquor,  oat- 
meal, indian  meal,  or  wheat  middlings,  should  be  well  boiled  and  thoroughly 
cooked.  Then  the  meat  can  be  chopped  up  and  added  with  the  crushed  veg- 
etables.   Rice  and  pearl-barley  may  be  given  occasionally. 

Liver,  from  its  laxative  action,  must  be  used  guardedly,  if  at  all.  Large 
bones  may  frequently  be  given ;  but  beware  of  small  bones  that  may  possibly 
sliver,  for  many  valuable  dogs  have  been  killed  by  them.    Remember  always 


CAPE    OF   PUPPIES. 

that  the  great  secrets  in  feeding  are,  wholesome  food  and  a  variety  in 
diet.  Where  only  a  few  dogs  are  kept,  the  "scraps"  from  the  table, 
from  their  varied  nature,  cannot  he  improved  upon.  Mix  potatoes  and 
other  vegetables  with  a  little  gravy  and  small  pieces  of  meat.  Until 
six  months  old,  feed  three  times  a  day,  then  twice  daily  until  maturity  is 
reached. 

Remain  with  the  pup  while  eating,  and  as  soon  as  he  turns  from  his  food 
remove  it  at  once.  Never  urge  a  dog  to  eat  if  he  shows  from  his  manner  that 
he  has  no  appetite.  Prepare  something  else  and  tempt  him  with  it,  and  if  he 
still  declines,  wait  until  his  next  regular  time  of  feeding  and  try  again. 

As  a  rule,  give  as  little  medicine  as  possible  to  puppies.  Probably  the 
most  common  affection  observed  among  them  is  indigestion  in  some  form  or 
other.  As  castor  oil  or  syrup  of  buckthorn  can  do  no  harm,  if  an  odor  to  the 
breath,  a  hot  nose,  sluggish  manner,  or  disinclination  to  eat  is  noted,  give 
either,  and  watch  the  discharges.  If  very  offensive,  or  if  undigested  matter 
appears  in  them,  the  cause  is  apparent.  Stop  all  food  for  a  time,  and  when 
next  given,  select  only  the  simplest  and  most  easily  digestible, — milk  and 
lime-water  preferred. 

Vegetables  have  a  tendency  to  purify  the  blood  and  keep  the  bowels  in 
good  condition.  When  these  cannot  be  given,  other  means  should  be 
employed  in  the  form  of  a  mild  physic.  It  is  a  good  plan  to  give  a  dose 
of  sulphur,  either  alone  or  with  powdered  magnesia,  if  a  laxative  is  needed. 
Mix  this  with  the  food  once  or  twice  a  week  in  summer,  and  less  often  in 
colder  weather.    The  ordinary  dose  is  one-half  a  teaspoonf ul  of  each. 

Diarrhoea  is  usually  the  result  of  indigestion  — often  nature's  effort  to 
throw  off  the  disease.  In  many  cases  regulating  the  diet  will  suffice.  Give 
porridge  made  of  boiled  milk  and  flour,  baked  until  slightly  brown.  If  the 
attack  is  severe,  first  imitate  nature  by  giving  a  dose  of  castor  oil,  it  being 
desirable  that  the  contents  of  the  intestines  should  be  effectually  removed,  in 
order  to  prevent  their  continued  passage  over  the  inflamed  surface,  and  to 
secure,  as  far  as  possible,  that  important  end  in  the  treatment  of  all  inflam- 
mations, namely,  quietude  of  the  inflamed  parts.  Paregoric,  as  the  simplest 
form  of  opiate,  may  then  be  given  in  one  or  two  teaspoonful  doses,  every  six 
or  eight  hours. 

Worms  are  a  common  enemy  to  pups.  The  giving  of  sour  milk  will  do 
much  to  prevent  their  formation.  Their  presence  may  be  suspected  when 
bloating  occurs  beyond  that  which  the  food  taken  would  be  likely  to  produce. 
For  worms  in  puppies  three  months  old,  give  one  or  two  grains  of  santonine  in 
butter,  after  they  have  fasted  twelve  hours  ;  follow  this  dose,  three  hours 
later,  with  one  of  castor  oil. 

Fleas  are  a  constant  source  of  annoyance.  Washing  young  puppies  is 
never  admissible.  Combing  with  a  fine  comb  dipped  in  kerosene  oil,  or 
rubbing  flea  pouder  into  the  hair,  are  the  means  to  be  employed. 


DOGS  EY  HE&LTH. 


GEWE<RtfL  MtiJY&GEMEWT. 


Feeding. 

Pages  have  been  written  on  the  origin  and  ancient  history  of  the  dog, 
theories  advanced,  speculations  urged,  and  yet  we  still  remain  in  complete 
ignorance  on  the  subject.  Some  contend,  in  the  anatomical  structure  of 
certain  parts  that  he  resembles  the  wolf.  There  are  however,  differences 
to  reconcile,  before  this  supposition  can  be  accepted.  Others  have  traced 
to  the  fox,  and  still  others  to  the  jackal,  each  party  being  satisfied  in  his 
own  mind  of  the  correctness  of  his  theory,  and  yet  the  same  differences 
remain. 

A  knowledge  of  the  primitive  state  and  habits  of  the  animal  might  aid' 
much  on  this  subject,  but  that  being  denied  us,  we  are  forced  to  turn  to 
the  anatomical  mechanism  and  natural  promptings  for  guidance. 

It  is  admitted  that  the  dog  belongs  to  the  family  of  carnivora,  or  flesh 
caters,  and  a  study  of  his  digestive  organs  verifies  this  assumption.  The 
instinctive  desire  of  animals  for  certain  substances  is  a  sure  indication 
that  they  are  in  reality  required  for  the  nutritive  process,  while  the  indif- 
ference or  repugnance  manifested  for  others,  injurious  and  valueless,  is 
an  equal  evidence  of  their  unfitness  as  articles  of  food. 

Starch  is  very  abundant  in  corn,  wheat,  rye,  oats  and  rice,  and  in  almost 
all  vegetable  substances  used  as  food,  and  during  the  progress  of  digestion 
is  converted  into  sugar.  That  these  articles  alone  are  an  unfit  diet,  is 
proven  by  the  experiments  of  Magendie,  who  found  that  dogs  fed  exclu- 
sively on  starch  or  sugar  perished  after  a  short  time  with  symptoms  of 


6  GENERAL    MANAGEMENT. 

profound  disturbance  of  the  nutritive  functions.  On  the  other  hand,  ex- 
periments  have  been  made  by  Claude  Bernard  and  others,  proving  that 
carnivorous  animals  can  be  kept  for  an  indefinite  time,  exclusively  on  a 
diet  of  flesh,  and  yet  the  body  be  maintained  in  a  perfectly  healthy 
condition. 

Dogs  have  no  natural  cravings  for  vegetables.  To  be  fed  chiefly  on  them, 
or  on  puddings,  bread  and  starchy  food  continuously,  invites  debilitated 
constitutions  and  attendant  diseases.  The  writer  is  Arm  in  his  convic- 
tion, that  eczema  is  propagated  by  this  abuse  more  often  than  by  any  other. 

Meat,  unquestionably,  should  be  the  principle  article  of  diet  for  dogs. 
An  acceptance  of  this  theory  is  by  no  means  an  indorsement  of  that  ex- 
treme doctrine  advanced  by  some— that  starchy  foods  are  detestable  to  the 
canine  race.  On  the  contrary,  saccharine  substances  in  small  quantities 
are  essential,  and  conducive  to  the  health  of  the  animals  (see  page  96). 

The  question  arises  whether  meat  should  be  fed  cooked  or  raw.  Both 
have  advantages.  Certain  constituents  are  lost  in  the  process  of  cooking. 
The  muscular  fibres  are  almost  always  more  or  less  hardened  by  boiling 
or  roasting,  but  at  the  same  time,  the  fibrous  tissue  by  which  they  are  held 
together  is  gelatinized  and  softened,  so  that  the  muscular  fibres  are  more 
easily  separated  from  each  other,  and  more  readily  attacked  by  the 
digestive  fluids.  The  organic  substances  contained  in  meat,  which  are 
insipid  in  the  raw  state,  acquire,  by  the  action  of  heat  and  cooking,  a 
peculiar  and  agreeable  flavor.  This  flavor  excites  the  appetite  and  stim- 
ulates the  flow  of  the  digestive  fluids,  and  renders  in  this  way  the  process 
of  digestion  more  easy  and  expeditious. 

In  cooking  meat,  it  is  desirable  that  it  be  rendered  palatable,  and  the 
flavor  varied  from  time  to  time.  This  may  be  done  by  the  addition  of 
vegetables,  which  should  be  well  crushed  after  boiling. 

The  different  kinds  ot  meal,  thoroughly  cooked  in  strong  broths,  consti- 
tute a  diet  nutritious  and  inviting.  Puddings  so  made  must  not  alone  be 
depended  upon,  but  meat  should  be  generously  added  to  them  or  given 
after  they  are  eaten. 

•  Sheep's  heads  and  the  feet  of  animals  may  be  boiled  to  a  jelly.  They  are 
highly  nutritious,  and  dogs  are  very  fond  of  them. 

Beef  flour  is  a  valuable  substitute  for  flesh,  is  excellent  for  puppies  and 
matured  dogs  alike;  it  can  be  added  to  boiling  water,  a  strong  broth 
made,  and  then  thickened  with  a  little  bread,  crackers  or  meal. 

Pork  scraps,  in  pressed  cakes,  keep  for  an  indefinite  time,  and  may  be 
fed  once  or  twice  a  week;  they  should  be  soaked  for  some  hours  until 
soft,  and  then  boiled. 

Milk,  sweet  or  sour,  can  be  given  freely,  and  is  valuable  for  a  change. 
I  >og  biscuits,  so  called,  have  within  a  few  years  become  very  popular  in 


FEEDING.  7 

large  kennels;  when  honestly  prepared,  they  are  an  excellent  diet.  The 
manner  of  feeding  them  should  be  frequently  changed;  at  times  given  dry, 
at  others  soaked  in  milk  or  broths,  or  crushed  with  vegetables. 
:  I  Bones,  the  dog's  tooth  brush,  are  an  essential.  By  their  use  the  muscles 
*  of  the  jaws  are  kept  strong,  and  the  pleasure  they  give  the  animals  is  very 
evident;  their  value  may  be  lessened  however,  by  too  frequent  feeding,  as 
many  a  broken  well  worn  tooth  testifies. 

While  the  use  of  vegetables  adds  flavor  to  the  food  and  excites  the 
appetite  of  the  animal,  it  has  still  another  important  action  as  a  gentle 
laxative.  Liver  has  the  same  property,  and  the  conditions  of  the  bowels 
should  direct  its  use. 

Among  the  medicinal  agents  often  administered  with  the  food,  sulphur 
may  be  properly  referred  to  while  on  the  subject  of  feeding.  It  is  laxative 
and  resolvent,  and  is  supposed  to  be  rendered  soluble  by  the  soda  of  the 
bile.  It  is  thrown  out  of  the  system  by  the  bowels  and  through  the  skin, 
and  for  that  reason  has  an  influence  on  cutaneous  diseases.  Its  occasional 
use  can  do  no  harm,  and  unless  a  perfect  condition  of  the  animal  contra-  \ 
indicates,  it  may  be  given  once  or  twice  a  week  in  summer,  and  once  or 
twice  a  month  in  colder  weather. 

The  dose  for  a  fifty  pound  dog  is  one  teaspoonful,  and  may  be  mingled 
with  the  food  or  given  in  milk. 

Many  authors  have  dwelt  upon  the  dirt-eating  propensity  of  dogs,  and 
concluded  therefrom,  that  the  proper  method  of  feeding  is  to  throw  the 
food  on  to  the  ground.  The  writer  is  of  the  opinion  that  if  such  a  propen- 
sity exists,  it  is  wiser  to  leave  the  dogs  to  nature's  promptings  and  let  them 
eat  dirt  when  they  choose,  rather  than  insist  upon  its  being  eaten  at  every 
meal.  He  therefore  prefers  to  feed  his  animals  from  clean  dishes,  and  the 
cleaner  the  better. 

The  greatest  importance  is  attached  to  the  quality  of  the  food  given.  It 
should  be  of  the  very  best,  and  no  tainted  meat,  mouldy  bread,  or  food 
changed  in  its  integrity,  should  ever  be  used  in  any  form.  Many  people 
consider  decomposing  meat  better  for  a  dog,  and  attempt  to  fortify  their 
arguments,  by  illustrating  with  the  fact,  that  the  animal  will  occasionally 
bury  a  bone  or  part  of  his  food,  to  be  dug  up  and  eaten  later.  The  fact  is 
true,  but  the  inference  an  ancient  absurdity.  A  dog  never  buries  meat 
when  he  is  hungry,  but  after  a  hearty  meal  will  often  do  so,  proving  our 
supposition  that  it  is  his  natural  food,  an  evidence  of  his  great  craving, 
which  he  will  eat  in  any  form,  no  matter  how  badly  decayed.  Give  him 
sufficient  fresh  meat  and  he  will  never  seek  carrion. 

Chloride  of  Sodium  or  common  salt,  some  authors  state,  "is  poison  to  a 
dog."  In  this  the  writer  cannot  agree,  but  on  the  contrary  deems  it  essen- 
tial to  perfect  health.     It  is  found  throughout  the  tissues  and  fluids  of  the 


8  GENERAL    MANAGEMENT. 

body,  exerts  an  important  influence  on  the  solution  of  various  other  ingre- 
dients with  which  it  is  associated,  and  the  blood  globules  are  maintained 
by  it  in  a  state  of  integrity.  Since  common  salt  is  so  universally  present 
in  all  parts  of  the  body,  it  is  an  important  ingredient  of  food.  It  occurs  in 
all  animal  and  vegetable  food  as  well,  though  in  smaller  amount  in  the 
latter,  and  acts  in  a  favorable  manner  as  a  condiment,  by  exciting  digestion, 
and  assisting  in  this  way  the  solution  of  the  food. 

In  connection  with  the  subject  of  feeding,  reference  to  the  appetite  is 
pertinent.  Remember  dogs  will  eat  when  hungry.  For  them  to  refuse  a 
meal  occasionally,  means  nothing.  Evidence  is  not  wanting  where  they 
have  passed  days  and  even  weeks  in  confinement  without  food,  and  yet 
recovered  without  injury  from  their  long  fast.  If  food  is  placed  before  the 
animal  and  he  turns  from  it,  something  else  should  be  prepared  to  tempt 
him.  If  he  still  declines,  it  should  be  removed  and  another  attempt  be 
made  at  his  next  regular  time  of  feeding.  If  a  dog  is  in  good  health, 
simply  dainty,  this  method  repeated  again  and  again,  if  needed,  will  prove 
effectual,  and  he  will  finally  eat  whatever  may  be  offered  him. 

Regularity  in  the  hour  of  feeding  should  be  observed.  The  number  of 
times  to  feed  is  a  disputed  question,  with  the  weight  of  authority  on  the 
side  of  once  a  day,  at  night,  and  all  they  can  then  eat.  Owners  must  decide 
for  themselves,  influenced  by  what  has  been  their  custom,  the  condition 
of  their  animals,  and  the  amount  of  work  required  of  them.  Where  only 
one  dog  is  kept,  no  doubt  in  many  instances  it  is  over  fed,  especially  if 
allowed  the  freedom  of  the  kitchen  While  the  fact  is  apparent,  that  once 
a  day  is  all  a  dog  actually  needs  to  be  fed,  the  question  arises :  would  it 
not  be  wiser  to  give  him  a  little  less  at  night,  and  a  mere  trifle  in  the 
morning?  It  would  seem  thereby  that  the  dangers  of  indigestion  would 
be  lessened. 

It  might  be  said  that  even  of  greater  importance  than  good  wholesome 
food,  is  a  constant  supply  of  good  fresh  water.  The  system  suffers  more 
rapidly  when  entirely  deprived  of  fluids  than  when  the  solid  food  only  is 
withdrawn.  Magendie  found  in  his  experiments  on  dogs  subjected  to 
fasting,  that  if  the  animals  were  supplied  with  water  alone,  they  lived  six, 
eight,  and  even  ten  days  longer  than  if  they  were  deprived  the  same  time 
of  both  solid  and  liquid  food. 

Some  will  dissent  from  this  theory  of  feeding,  arguing  that  domestica- 
tion has  wrought  changes  in  the  canine  race  which  make  meat  no  longer 
a  necessity.  To  them  be  it  said,  that  if  the  dog,  since  recalled  from  his 
vicious  life,  has  as  the  companion  of  man  been  so  changed  in  nature, 
instincts,  constitution  and  habits  ,  if  he  now,  like  man,  is  omnivorous,  even 
then  organic  substances  found  only  in  animal  food  are  as  essential  to  the 
maintenance  of  the  integrity  of  the  body. 


GENERAL  MANAGEMENT.  9 

Exercise. 

Exercise  develops  the  muscles  of  the  body,  increases  their  functional 
activity,  hastens  the  digestion  of  food,  and  renders  its  assimilation  easier. 
It  improves  nutrition  by  elevating  the  temperature,  opens  the  pores  of  the 
skin,  stimulating  its  functions,  and  through  the  lungs,  by  the  stronger 
movements  excited,  it  favors  the  exhalation  of  impurities  and  excesses. 

Too  much  importance  cannot  be  attached  to  this  subject.  Keeping  a  dog 
confined  with  insufficient  exercise  is  cruelty  itself,  which  no  excuse  can 
justify.  Never  chain  a  dog  should  be  the  rule,  but  unfortunately  it  cannot 
always  be  observed.  Certain  methods  may,  however,  be  resorted  to,  and 
a  confined  animal  have  greater  freedom  and  still  be  restrained. 

A  post  can  be  set  up  as  far  from  the  kennel  as  the  limits  of  the  owner's 
premises  will  allow,  a  wire  fastened  to  it  and  passed  through  a  ring,  the 
other  end  attached  to  the  kennel  and  drawn  taut.  The  dog  can  then  be 
chained  to  the  ring,  which  will  slide  freely  the  entire  length  of  the  wire, 
permitting  greater  latitude  and  the  animal  still  be  held  in  check.  This 
means  may  be  employed  in  cities,  and  where  it  is  impossible  to  allow  them 
to  run  at  large. 

When  dogs  are  kept  in  yards,  the  plan  adopted  by  the  writer  can  be  re- 
sorted to.  Fences  or  hurdles  can  be  built  entirely  across  the  inclosures. 
These  must  be  placed  low  at  first,  simply  high  enough  to  force  the  animal 
to  make  an  easy  jump,  then  in  three  or  four  weeks  raised  a  few  inches, 
another  interval  allowed  to  pass,  and  raised  again.  The  results  from  the 
employment  of  this  means  are  admirable,  especially  in  the  case  of  dogs 
inclined  to  be  weak  in  the  loins,  and  needing  development  behind. 

In  conditioning  dogs,  especially  for  exhibitions,  no  better  exercise  can 
be  recommended  than  slow  walking;  the  distance  being  from  two  to  four 
miles  daily.  By  this  means  they  will  eat  more,  digest  it  better,  and  accu- 
mulate flesh  more  rapidly. 

While  exercise  is  imperative,  extremes  must  be  avoided  and  caution 
used.  If  a  dog  is  habituated  to  following  a  team,  there  is  less  danger  oi 
over  exertion ;  if  not  so  accustomed,  care  must  be  observed  lest  the  sys- 
tem be  disordered  by  too  great  effort.  In  winter,  if  a  hard  run  is  taken 
and  he  returns  in  a  heated  condition,  he  must  not  be  shut  into  a  cold'  ken- 
nel, but  be  allowed  to  cool  gradually  in  a  warm  room. 

After  a  hearty  meal  the  dog  retires  to  his  kennel  to  sleep,  as  did  the 
ancients,  while  the  first  part  at  least  of  digestion  is  being  performed. 
Violent  exercise  should  never  be  allowed  until  the  process  is  completed. 
By  unduly  great  muscular  exertion,  while  the  stomach  is  loaded,  the 
food  is  but  imperfectly  acted  upon  by  that  organ,  is  hurried  into  the 
intestines;  diarrhoea  and  other  affections  follow. 


10  GENERAL  MANAGEMENT. 

Washing. 

Washing  is  admissible  in  summer,  anil  undoubtedly  lias  its  benefits  in 
colder  weather  when  all  influences  are  favorable,  and  proper  precautions 
observed ;  unfortunately,  neglect  results  too  seriously,  and  it  cannot  be 
insisted  upon,  that  bathing  is  an  absolute  necessity  for  dogs. 

Some  breeds  take  to  the  water  naturally  and  find  pleasure  in  it,  but  the 
reluctance  of  others,  and  the  disposition  shown  by  them  to  conceal  them- 
selves when  the  preparation  to  wash  commences,  is  an  indication  that  the 
process  will  prove  a  hardship.  Where  it  is  possible,  it  is  better  to  allow 
them  access  to  a  tub  or  cistern  of  water,  and  leave  them  to  follow  their 
natural  promptings. 

Very  dirty  coats,  vermin,  and  cutaneous  diseases  sometimes  make  wash- 
ing imperative.  If  these  needs  arc  not  evident,  it  is  wiser  to  do  little  or 
none  of  it,  for  care  in  the  kennel  arrangements  and  thorough  grooming 
will  obviate  the  necessity. 

Washing  in  cold  weather  is  extremely  hazardous,  and  the  animal  is 
almost  certain  to  take  cold  unless  the  greatest  care  is  observed  after  the 
operation.  He  must  be  confined  to  the  house  until  thoroughly  dry,  then 
judiciously  exercised  before  returned  to  his  kennel. 

In  warm  weather  the  dangers  are  much  less,  yet  care  should  be  observed. 
The  method  of  washing  naturally  suggests  itself,  and  need  not  be  dwelt 
upon.  The  purpose  for  which  the  animal  is  washed  will  direct  the  nature 
of  the  soaps  to  be  used.  If  mere  cleanliness  of  the  coat  is  the  object, 
champooing  is  the  better  means  to  employ. 

Eggs  broken  and  rubbed  into  the  hair,  then  sponged  off,  leave  it  clean, 
soft,  and  glossy.  The  sea-foam  champoo  of  barbers  is  also  excellent  as  a 
stimulant  and  for  cleanliness. 

Fleas  demand  the  use  of  soaps  which  destroy  them.  Cutaneous  diseases 
call  for  carbolic,  sulphur,  and  the  varieties  of  soaps  mentioned  elsewhere 
under  skin  diseases. 

If  used  properly  there  is  little  or  no  danger  of  absorption  from  the  strong 
carbolic  preparations ;  the  operation  must  be  rapidly  performed,  and  by 
a  thorough  rinsing  every  trace  of  the  soaps  removed. 

Washing  after  a  hearty  meal  is  never  admissible.  Neither  cold  nor 
warm  baths  should  be  prolonged.  Strong,  hardy  dogs,  after  gentle  exer- 
cise, may  be  allowed  to  swim  for  a  short  time,  but  to  remain  too  long  in 
the  water,  invites  debility  and  congestive  diseases. 

For  dogs  enfeebled  or  suffering  from  disease,  warm  baths  only  should 
be  allowed.  During  convalescence  washing  is  warrantable  only  when 
every  precaution  against  exposure  is  taken.  After  an  attack  of  distem- 
per, bathing  should  be  delayed  several  weeks,  at  least. 


GENERAL  MANAGEMENT.  11 

Kennel  Arrangements. 

In  kennelling,  the  primary  essentials  are,  good  ventilation,  perfect  clean- 
liness, dryness,  and  freedom  from  draughts. 

Less  sickness  undoubtedly  occurs  when  dogs  are  inured  to  climatio 
changes.  Those  animals  accustomed  to  out -door  kennels,  are  usually  far 
healthier  than  those  that  are  allowed  the  freedom  of  the  house.  Again 
when  a  disease  like  distemper  attacks  them,  it  runs  a  shorter  and  much 
less  severe  course;  their  natures,  more  elastic,  seem  to  throw  off  the  in- 
firmities quicker. 

In  winter  dogs  suffer  as  much,  if  not  more,  from  artificial  heat  than  they 
do  from  exposure  to  intense  cold.  Many  are  allowed  in  houses  and  around 
the  stoves  during  the  day,  and  are  kennelled  out  at  night,  or  shut  into  a 
cold  stable,  thus  experiencing  the  greatest  extreme  in  temperature;  a 
fruitful  source  of  disease. 

To  kennel  out  and  constantly  keep  in  the  open  air,  the  coarser  long- 
haired breeds,  seem  the  wiser.  Their  houses  should  be  carefully  con- 
structed, raised  several  inches  from  the  ground,  and  the  space  beneath 
carefully  boarded.  These  should,  in  winter,  face  the  rising  sun,  and  be 
provided  with  a  glass  front.  The  door  may  be  hung  on  hinges,  so  that  it 
can  be  opened  by  the  dog  from  within  or  without,  or  it  may  be  dispensed 
with,  in  which  case  a  projection  should  be  built  around  the  door-way  on 
the  outside,  to  prevent  rain  from  entering. 

A  room  within  a  room  in  winter  is  the  better.  The  inner  or  sleeping 
quarters  can  be  easily  constructed  by  partitioning  off  a  pai-t,  leaving  an 
opening  as  a  passage  for  the  animal,  then  laying  a  supplementary  raised 
floor  on  which  the  bedding  can  be  placed.  This  inner  kennel  can  be  ren- 
dered warm,  snug,  and  free  from  all  possible  draughts,  by  covering  the 
floor  and  sides  with  tarred  paper. 

Where  dogs  are  housed  at  night  in  stables,  barns,  or  large  rooms,  these 
same  sleeping  boxes  should  always  be  used  in  the  colder  weather. 

The  floors  of  the  kennel  should  be  covered  with  sawdust  as  it  is  the 
cheapest  and  cleanest.  For  bedding,  straw  in  winter,  and  fine  shavings  in 
summer  are  preferred. 

Cleanliness  is  of  paramount  importance.  In  this  connection,  the  meth- 
ods employed  by  the  writer  may  be  of  interest.  Every  week  in  warm  and 
cold  weather  alike,  in  his  kennels,  the  sawdust  and  bedding  are  removed, 
the  doors  and  windows  closed,  and  the  building  purified  by  introducing  a 
kerosene  stove,  and  burning  sulphur  thereon.  The  walls,  even  the  floors 
if  necessary,  are  then  thoroughly  washed  with  lime,  and  if  the  weather  is 
damp  or  very  cold,  the  stove  is  again  introduced  and  the  white-wash  dried. 
After  all  dampness  is  removed,  the  floors  are  covered  with  a  disinfectant, 


13  KENNEL  ARRANGEMENTS. 

lime  and  carbolic  acid  more  often  used,  tarred  paper  then  laid  down,  on  it 
sawdust,  and  then  the  bedding.  It  is  important  where  several  dogs  are 
kept,  that  they  be  provided  with  separate  kennels,  at  least  no  more  than 
two  be  allowed  to  remain  together,  as  infectious  diseases  are  sometimes 
transmitted,  in  their  earliest  stages,  and  may  become  general  before  de- 
tection. This  danger  is  especially  great  where  the  care  of  the  animals  is 
intrusted  to  servants. 


GROOMING. 

In  the  stable,  one  often  hears  the  old  adage,  "  a  good  grooming  is  better 
for  a  horse  than  a  feeding."  The  same  holds  true  in  the  kennel.  The 
ancient  Averrhces  gave  the  sum  of  the  directions  by  Galen  and  other 
authorities,  in  his  reference  to  friction  applied  to  the  human  body.  Strong 
friction,  he  said,  braces  and  hardens  the  body;  weak,  rarefies  and  softens ; 
moderate,  in  an  intermediate  degree.  Besides,  he  added,  hard  friction 
diminishes  obesity;  moderate,  on  the  other  hand,  tends  to  remove  emaci- 
ation. 

Not  only  is  the  health  of  a  dog  improved  by  grooming,  but  his  changed 
appearance  well  repays  the  owner  for  the  effort.  Again  in  the  operation, 
commencing  cutaneous  diseases  and  vermin  are  detected,  suggesting  the 
prompt  application  of  remedies  and  much  trouble  and  annoyance  thereby 
averted. 

In  the  use  of  a  comb,  care  should  be  observed  lest  the  skin  be  irritated 
and  mange  propagated. 

A  clean,  fairly  stiff  hair  brush,  a  bathing  hair-glove,  or  a  pad  of  woollen 
yarns,  and  a  chamois  skin  are  all  the  essentials.  Their  use  can  be  followed 
by  hand  rubbing,  an  admirable  method  of  adding  a  line  finish  and  produc- 
ing a  gloss. 

Sufficient  only  for  the  removal  of  dirt  and  small  scales  from  the  skin, 
should  tbe  hair  be  brushed  or  combed  in  any  other  direction  than  that 
in  which  it  naturally  falls.  When  preparing  for  bench  shows  and  hand-rub 
bing  is  indulged  in  to  an  unusual  extent,  too  great  pressure  over  the  loins 
is  to  be  avoided,  as  weakness  in  the  muscles  of  that  region  can  be  induced 
by  it.  Eoughncss  of  the  coat  and  a  preternatural  dryness  of  the  hair,  it 
must  be  remembered,  is  in  consequence  of  internal  diseases,  or  of  a 
general  disturbance  of  nutrition.  That  the  latter  has  great  influence  on 
the  growth  of  the  hair,  is  proved  by  various  experiments.  Magendie  fed 
a  dog  exclusively  on  cheese;  the  animal  remained  apparently  healthy 
but  lost  his  hair  completely,  probably  because  his  food  did  not  furnish  to 
the  blood  the  material  necessary  for  its  formation. 


GENERAL  MANAGEMENT.  13 

J'EftMIJY. 

Fleas,  more  especially  in  warm  weather,  are  the  bane  of  a  dog's  existence, 
and  only  the  most  constant  care  and  watchfulness  can  insure  protection 
from  this  unmitigated  nuisance. 

There  are  literally  two  species  of  this  parasite;  the  common-flea  (pulex 
irritans.)  and  the  sand-flea  (pulex  penetrans.)  The  former  bites,  producing 
papules  or  wheals;  the  latter  bores  into  the  skin,  causing  inflammation. 

The  sand-fleas,  as  the  name  implies,  are  common  in  sandy  districts,  and 
are  very  difficult  to  combat.  Even  when  entirely  removed,  they  are  quite 
certain  to  return.  Kennels  infected,  if  situated  in  the  sand,  should  be 
moved  to  a  foundation  of  black  earth.  If  that  is  impossible,  earth  should 
be  drawn  and  the  floors  and  ground  surrounding  be  covered  with  it,  then 
insect  powder  be  blown  freely  into  every  crack  and  crevice,  and  rubbed 
well  into  the  dogs;  this  will  drive  them  away  for  a  time,  but  the  method 
must  be  repeated  or  they  will  return. 

The  common-flea  needs  much  the  same  continued  effort  to  suppress  him. 
Grooming,  combing,  and  washing  will  do  much,  but  generally  other 
means  must  be  employed. 

}Yhale  oil  is  an  effectual  remedy  but  its  use  is  an  abomination ;  it  must  be 
thoroughly  rubbed  into  the  hair  of  the  animal,  from  tip  to  tip,  and  allowed 
to  remain  on,  some  hours  at  least,  during  whi^h  time  he  must  be  kept  in 
a  warm  room,  as  there  is  great  danger  of  taking  cold;  then  eggs  may  be 
used  as  a  champoo  and  washed  off,  or  soap  and  water  alone,  followed  by 
a  persistent  combing,  and  after  all  a  hard  run  be  given. 

Quassia  chips  boiled  to  a  strong  infusion,  or  in  the  form  of  tincture, 
when  sponged  on  freely,  will  be  found  efficacious.  Carbolic  acid  and  soaps 
incorporated  with  the  same  are  excellent,  but  must  be  used  cautiously,  or 
poison  from  absorption  may  result ;  a  mixture  of  carbolic  acid,  two  drachms 
of  the  crystals  to  a  pint  of  water,  is  sufficiently  strong.  The  phenol  sodique 
is  preferable  to  carbolic  acid,  as  there  is  little  danger  of  poisonous  ab- 
sorption, and  may  be  used  diluted  with  the  same  quantity  of  water. 

The  sulphuret  of  lime  used  with  such  success  in  Belgium  for  the  itch,  acts 
quite  well  as  a  cure  of  vermin;  a  weak  solution  of  it  can  be  made  by  boil- 
ing together  the  flowers  of  sulphur  two  pounds,  unslaked  lime  one  pound, 
water  two  gallons;  slack  the  lime  first  then  add  the  sulphur  slowly,  stir- 
ring well,  and  finally  boil  down  to  one  gallon.  Let  the  mixture  cool  and 
precipitate,  then  pour  off  the  clear  fluid  and  apply  it  freely  to  the  hair  of 
the  dog,  allowing  it  to  dry  on. 

Balsamperu  is  an  agent  which  has  been,  in  times  passed,  much  valued  iix 
parasitic  troubles.  Its  efficacy,  is  unquestioned,  but  it  is  rather  too  expen- 
sive for  general  use. 


14  VERMIS. 

Kerosene  and  crude  petroleum  are  used  advantageously  in  many  kennels, 
the  method  employed  being,  to  dip  a  comb  into  the  oils  and  pass  it  per- 
sistently through  the  hair,  being  careful  that  little  or  none  reaches  the 
skin,  which  is  likely  to  become  irritated  thereby. 

Insect  powder  is  an  excellent  remedy,  and  can  be  economically  used,  by 
laying  the  dog  on  a  paper  while  being  rubbed. 

Lice  and  wood-ticks  demand  much  the  same  treatment  that  fleas  do,  the 
preference  being  given  to  petroleum  oil.  A  strong  infusion  of  the  seeds  of 
the  stavesacre  is  a  sure  remedy,  but  they  are  not  easy  to  procure.  Many 
authors  advise  the  use  of  mercury  in  some  form,  the  white  precipitate  the 
more  common.  It  should  not  be  employed  until  all  the  simpler  remedies 
have  failed,  and  then  be  used  with  great  caution,  the  dog  being  securely 
muzzled. 

Where  vermin  have  become  troublesome,  the  kennels  should  be  thor- 
oughly cleaned,  bedding  destroyed,  and  sulphur  burned,  after  which,  all 
parts  should  be  faithfully  whitewashed. 

The  continued  scratching  of  animals  causes  eczema  which  must  be 
treated,  after  the  vermin  is  removed,  with  external  applications  of  cod- 
liver  oil,  sulphur  and  lard,  or  phenol  sodique,  and  possibly  the  employment 
of  the  usual  mange  remedies  will  be  demanded. 

Straw  bedding  invites  the  lodgment  of  fleas  and  their  removal  from  it 
is  exceedingly  difficult.  The  comfort  of  dogs,  occupying  cold  kennels  in 
winter,  demands  its  use,  and  during  that  season  the  spirit  of  turpentine 
sprinkled  freely  about  the  apartment  and  over  the  bedding  will  do  much  to 
lessen  the  evil.  In  summer  fine  shavings  afford  a  comfortable  bed,  and  if  fre- 
quently renewed,  fleas  will  be  much  less  annoying.  Painting  the  walls 
with  kerosene  oil  is  a  practice  followed  by  some,  from  which  good  results 
invariably  follow. 


CH&<PTE<R  II. 

ANTIDOTES  &JY<D  TREATMENT 

in 

Cases  of  (Poisoning. 

It  "would  seem,  that  in  the  treatment  of  dogs  in  disease,  some  people 
draw  from  a  fund  of  accumulated  and  transmitted  ignorance,  and  display 
the  least  possible  common  sense  and  judgment.  Remedies  of  the  great- 
est efficacy  and  virtue,  become  exceedingly  dangerous  in  the  hands  of 
the  careless  and  incompetent,  and  many  dogs  are  sacrificed  by  man's  stu- 
pidity, as  well  as  destroyed  by  that  fiend  incarnate,  the  dog  poisoner. 

No  where  "will  that  old  saying  better  apply  than  in  connection  with  the 
use  of  medicine,  "  a  little  knowledge  makes  men  foolish." 

An  article  lately  appeared  in  a  prominent  sportsman's  paper,  under  the 
heading,  "Treatment  of  Poisoned  Dogs,"  which  well  illustrates  this.  It 
said,  "  The  lives  of  many  valuable  dogs  can  be  saved  by  the  prompt  use 
of  a  very  simple  remedy.  As  soon  as  you  know  a  dog  has  been  poisoned, 
inject  about  an  ounce  of  hydrate  of  chloral  into  his  back  with  a  hypoder- 
mic syringe,  the  quantity  to  be  governed  by  the  size  of  the  dog  and 
severity  of  his  symptoms.  As  long  as  there  is  life  in  him  do  not  despair. 
I  have  known  dogs  to  have  been  saved  by  this  treatment  when  in  the 
death  throes." 

Nothing  could  be  either  more  absurd,  or  more  dangerous  than  this  advice. 
One  ounce  of  chloral  hydrate  is  four  hundred  and  eighty  grains;  the  dose  of 
this  agent  is  from  five  to  twenty  grains.  The  rule  when  medicine  is  admin- 
istered subcutaneously  is  one  half  the  quantity  given  by  the  mouth.  In 
cases  of  strychnine  poisoning,  the  need  is  more  urgent,  and  the  usual 
closes  can  be  safely  increased;  twenty  grains  however  would  be  quite 
enough  to  introduce  hypodermically,  as  it  acts  quickly,  and  the  need  of 
a  larger  close  would  be  readily  apparent.  The  adviser  says  "  the  quantity 
to  be  governed  by  the  size  of  the  clog."  It  is  presumed  it  would  matter 
little,  were  anything  near  four  hundred  and  eighty  grains  administered. 
Again  to  "  inject  into  the  back,"  an  abscess  would  surely  result,  leaving  an 
unsightly  scar.    While  chloral  hydrate  is  indicated  in  cases  of  poisoning 


7  6"  IN  CASES  OF  POISONING. 

by  strychnine  and  other  drugs  producing  convulsions,  its  use  would  surely 
prove  fatal  in  poisoning  by  narcotics. 

Not  alone  in  the  care  of  animals,  is  shown  this  same  stupid  reasoning. 
The  writer  recalls  a  case  he  once  treated,  that  of  a  woman  who  had  effect- 
ually used  creasote  on  a  pledget  of  cotton  pressed  into  an  aching  tooth. 
Shortly  after  on  being  attacked  with  earache,  reasoning  that  the  remedj*,  if 
a  success  in  one  instance,  must  surely  be  good  in  another,  had  a  quantity 
dropped  into  her  ear;  the  result  can  be  imagined. 

The  writer  had  a  valuable  horse  overcome  by  the  heat.  His  driver  much 
alarmed,  was  ready  to  do  anything  and  everything  advised.  A  bystander 
recommended  an  ounce  of  the  tincture  of  aconite  root,  which  was  at  once 
secured  and  administered.  At  least  eight  hundred  drops  were  given  of  the 
drag,  whereas  ten  to  fifteen  drops  would  have  been  reasonably  large.  Man's 
stupidity  will  never  allow  the  limit  of  illustrations  of  this  character  to  be 
reached. 

While  on  the  subject  of  poisons,  certain  rules  in  the  use  of  medicines 
are  appropriate. 

Never  undertake  to  prepare  complicated  prescriptions,  but  depend  upon 
a  competent  and  reliable  druggist. 

Protect  your  labels.  If  one  is  lost,  sacrifice  the  contents  of  the  bottle 
rather  than  be  in  doubt. 

Use  great  care  in  dropping  medicine.  When  uncertain  about  the  accu- 
racy of  the  dose,  throw  it  away  and  drop  again. 

Remember  that  medicine  can  be  repeated  if  necessary,  but  cannot  be  recalled 
after  once  given.    Give  too  small  rather  than  too  large  doses. 

All  drugs  require  a  certain  time  to  act  in,  and  must  not  be  repeated  until 
a  proper  interval  has  been  allowed. 

There  is  no  protection  from  the  poisoning  fiend.  Apothecaries  are  by 
law  foi-bidden  to  sell  poisons.  They  can  easily  be  obtained  however  with- 
out legal  responsibility.  Pills  of  strychnine,  mix  vomica,  arsenic,  etc., 
each  containing  the  proper  dose  can  be  bought  without  suspicion,  implying 
they  are  for  personal  use,  several  of  them  pressed  into  meat,  thrown  into 
the  vicinity  of  the  hated  dog,  and  the  hellish  purpose  be  accomplished. 

One  author  has  stated,  "  as  a  general  rule  for  distinguishing  between  the 
evidence  of  poisoning  and  the  symptoms  of  disease,  the  suddenness  of 
the  attack  must  weigh  largely,  and  by  tracing  where  the  dog  has  been, 
and  what  he  has  or  is  likely  to  have  picked  up,  a  pretty  accurate  conclu- 
sion can  be  arrived  at." 

This  is  about  all  that  can  be  said  on  this  subject.  At  the  same  time,  it  is 
essential  to  remember  that  there  are  many  exceptions  to  this  rule. 

Some  agents  are  more  readily  absorbed  than  others.  Poisons  taken  into 
the  stomach  when  empty,  necessarily  act  much  more  9peedily  than  when 


IN  CASES  OF  POISONING.  17 

full,  thus  if  that  organ  is  loaded  the  appearance  of  the  symptoms  may  be 
delayed  some  hours.  Sleep  may  retard  the  action  of  some  agents.  It 
must  be  also  remembered  that  there  are  many  diseases  which  commence 
suddenly,  and  rapidly  run  to  a  fatal  termination.  Internal  hemorrhages, 
severe  inflammations  of  the  stomach  or  intestines,  often  set  in  suddenly 
and  might  be  taken  for  poisoning. 

The  process  of  diagnosis  by  elimination,  described  elsewhere,  will  aid 
much  in  cases  of  suspected  poisoning. 

It  would  be  advisable  where  valuable  dogs  are  owned,  that  a  few  reme- 
dies be  prepared,  and  kept  in  anticipation  of  possible  poisoning.  Sulphate 
of  zinc  for  an  emetic,  laudanum  or  paregoric  for  pain,  chloral  hydrate  for 
convulsions  (mixture  of  one  drachm  of  the  drug  to  an  ounce  of  water). 
These,  with  a  glass  syringe  holding  from  one  to  two  tablespoonfuls,  are  of 
great  use  in  emergences  where  delay  is  fatal. 

In  cases  of  poisoning,  the  methods  of  treatment  indicated  are :— Get  rid 
of  the  Poison  — Stop  its  action  — Remedy  the  mischief  it  has  done. 

A  consideration  of  the  more  common  poisons  and  their  antidotes,  is  all 
that  space  permits.  Aside  from  drags,  other  means  are  sometimes  em- 
ployed by  the  destroyers.  Powdered  glass  is  often  used,  and  a  sponge  com- 
pressed while  wet,  then  tightly  rolled  with  twine,  dried,  and  introduced 
into  a  piece  of  meat,  is  another  method,  producing  certain  death  by  intes- 
tinal obstruction.  When  glass  is  known  to  have  been  taken  into  the 
stomach,  never  give  cathartics,  but  exclude  drinks  and  give  solid  food 
with  the  hope  of  enveloping  the  particles,  and  thereby  protecting  against 
internal  laceration. 

Arsenic:— Symptoms ;  constant  hawking,  caused  by  burning  pain  in  the 
throat;  great  thirst,  tongue  and  mucous  membrane  of  the  mouth  becomes 
red  and  swollen ;  abdomen  enlarged,  hard,  tense,  and  painful  to  the  touch ; 
severe  griping  pains;  vomiting  and  purging  of  brown  or  bloody  matter. 
Symptoms  grow  rapidly  worse,  skin  at  first  hot,  but  later  cold  and  clammy, 
prostration,  paralysis,  convulsions,  and  death. 

Treatment ;  —  If  vomiting  is  not  free,  give  an  emetic,  then  quickly  pour 
into  the  animal  what  may  be  within  reach,  either  milk,  flour  and  water, 
magnesia  and  oil,  or  oil  and  lime  water,  and  send  at  once  for  the  only  true 
antidote,  the  hydrated peroxide  of  iron,  for  which,  if  the  druggist  has  not  all 
prepared,  he  can  make  a  substitute  on  the  instant,  by  adding  to  diluted 
tincture  of  iron  enough  bicarbonate  of  soda,  or  aqua  ammonia,  to  saturate 
it;  give  freely  of  this. 

Strychnine  and  JVux'  Vomica.  —Symptoms;  at  first  restlessness,  then 
pain,  as  evinced  by  the  dog's  sharp  cries,  followed  by  twitchings  of  the 
muscles,  jerkings  of  the  head,  snapping  of  the  jaws,  and  foaming  at  the 
mouth ;  then  convulsions,  which  may  intermit  for  a  short  time,  during  the 


18  IN  CASES  OF  POISONING 

interval  the  animal  uttering  sharp,  shrill,  ear  piercing  cries,  to  be  stifled 
by  a  recurring  spasm. 

Treatment;—  If  possible,  give  an  emetic.  This  can,  however,  rarely  be 
done  after  the  convulsive  stage  has  set  in.  Then  the  dependence  must  be 
on  chloral  hydrate,  from  twenty  to  thirty  grains,  administered  by  the  rec- 
tum. Of  a  mixture  of  this  agent,  (one  drachm  to  an  ounce  of  water),  a 
tablespoonful  contains  thirty  grains  of  the  chloral.  After  giving  the  injec- 
tion, pressure  should  be  made  against  the  anus,  to  prevent  its  being 
evacuated.  If  in  twenty  minutes  the  convulsions  have  not  ceased,  repeat 
the  injection,  dose  being  the  same.  "When  the  convulsions  are  finally  con- 
trolled, allow  the  animal  to  sleep  as  long  and  quietly  as  possible,  and  when 
he  arouses  up  and  shows  a  disposition  to  move  about,  give,  every  three  or 
four  hours,  one  teaspoonful  of  aromatic  spirit  of  ammonia  well  diluted,  and 
continue  at  intervals  until  perfectly  conscious. 

Carbolic  zicid:  —  Symptoms ;  Great  depression,  trembling,  shivering, 
and  loss  of  motion,  indicative  of  approaching  paralysis,  diarrhoea,  the  dis- 
charges at  times  bloody. 

Treatment;  —Hot  mustard  bath,  friction,  and  stimulants  of  brandy  and 
ammonia. 

IPIiosphorus: — Symptoms;  Burning  pain  in  the  throat  and  stomach, 
vomiting,  purging,  great  inflammation  and  tenderness  of  the  abdomen, 
convulsions. 

Treatment;  —  Give  promptly  an  emetic,  followed  with  either  magnesia, 
chalk,  or  whiting  in  water.    Avoid  oils,  as  they  dissolve  the  phosphorus. 

Jfercuty:  —  Symptoms;  Acts  much  like  arsenic,  but  quicker  and  more 
violent,  corrosion  of  mouth,  burning  of  throat,  distress  in  stomach  and 
bowels,  excessive  thirst,  vomiting  and  purging  of  bloody  mucus,  skin  cold 
and  clammy,  convulsions. 

Treatment ;  — If  vomiting  does  not  occur,  induce  it  with  an  emetic ;  give 
freely  white  of  eggs  with  milk,  or  flour  and  water,  or  flour  and  soft  soap 
thinned  with  water.  The protosulphuret  of  iron  is  an  antidote,  but  is  use- 
less ten  minutes  after  the  poison  has  entered  the  stomach.  Mercury,  it 
must  be  remembered,  occurs  in  many  forms,  the  more  common  being 
corrosive  sublimate,  red  precipitate,  tchiie precipitate,  cinnabar,  vermillion,  and 
cyanide  of  mercury. 

Lead  Satis:  —  Symptoms ;  Depend  on  the  mode  of  poisoning.  In  large 
doses,  the  usual  symptoms  are  irritation,  distress,  and  vomiting,  colic, 
constipation,  cramps,  and  paralysis. 

Treatment ;  —  Give  epsom  salts  with  milk  and  eggs  freely. 
GENERAL  ANTIDOTE  — In  cases  of  poisoning,  when  the  nature  of  the 
poison  is  unknown ;  —  calcined  magnesia,  powdered  charcoal,  sesqui  oxide  of 
iron,  equal  parts  of  each  in  a  sufficient  quantity  of  water. 


CH&<PTER  III. 


THE  <P<RLVCI<PLES  OF  ME<DICINE. 


(Pathology. 

If  the  term  health  expressed  a  well  defined  state,  an  absolute  standard 
might  be  fixed.  To  define  disease  is  equally  as  difficult.  It  is  an  absence, 
or  deficiency  of  health,  simply  a  transfer  of  the  difficulty  of  definition. 

If  all  the  tissues  and  organs  of  the  body  are  normal,  if  all  the  fluids  are 
In  no  respect  abnormal,  if  all  the  functions  of  the  organical  structure  are 
completely  and  harmoniously  performed,  health  undoubtedly  exists.  But 
this  perfection  of  health  is  visionary  and  never  actually  exists.  An  exam- 
ination of  the  healthiest  would  disclose  some  deviation,  some  change,  and 
these  deviations  from  the  normal  are  not  inconsistent  with  the  evidences 
of  health.  Functions  of  different  parts  may  be  disordered  to  a  certain 
extent,  without  sufficient  disturbance  to  constitute  disease. 

No  practical  embarrassment  can  result  from  this  difficulty,  to  draw  the 
line  with  precision.  Each  owner  will  fix  an  individual  standard  for  his 
animal.    Variations  from  it  will  constitute  disease. 

In  a  general  way,  in  a  healthy  dog,  we  note  as  follows :  — Eyes  bright,  the 
white  usually  clear,  the  fine  red  lines  seen  at  times  having  no  significance, 
the  lining  of  the  lids  a  pink  rose  tinge.  Nose,  cold,  moist  and  slippery, 
except  when  the  animal  sleeps,  then  often  hot  and  dry.  Coat  soft,  smooth, 
and  in  long  haired  dogs,  glossy.  Skin  soft,  easily  moulded,  and  of  a  gentle 
heat.  Tongue  moist,  pink  in  color,  free  from  coating.  Pulse,  full  and 
strong,  ranging  from  eighty  to  one  hundred,  varying  in  different  breeds 
and  natures.  The  larger  animals  have  a  lower  rate  than  the  smaller,  the 
nervous  a  higher  than  the  less  easily  excited.  Bowels;  excretions  vary 
with  the  food  given,  in  consistency  and  color.  They  should  be  neither 
hard  nor  thin,  free  from  undigested  matter,  and  not  markedly  offensive  in 
odor.  Kidneys;  urine,  pale  yellowish,  abundant,  freely  and  easily  expelled. 


20  THE  PRINCIPLES  OF  MEDICINE. 

<Dm  gnosis. 

The  term  diagnosis,  signifies  the  art  of  discriminating  diseases,  to  de- 
termine their  character  and  situation.  It  is  sufficiently  obvious,  that  a 
distinctive  knowledge  of  diseases  is  of  great  practical  importance  in  ref- 
erence to  their  management.  Treatment  cannot  he  judiciously  applied 
until  a  diagnosis  has  been  reached.  It  may  he  based  on  the  presence  of 
characteristic  signs  peculiar  to  certain  affections  alone.  Thus  the  crepitant 
sound  denotes  the  existence  of  pneumonia.  But  there  are  very  few  signs 
which  are  inseparable  from  a  disease,  being  found  in  that  and  no  other. 
It  must  be  remembered,  that  all  the  symptoms  typical  of  a  disease  will 
be  but  rarely  present. 

hi  some,  possibly  many  instances,  the  disorder  is  readily  appai'ent,  and 
the  exact  location  of  it  detected.  Cough,  and  rapid  breathing  would  point 
at  once  to  the  chest  as  the  seat  of  the  trouble.  In  other  cases  much  diffi- 
culty will  be  experienced.  Some  symptoms  may  be  absent,  and  others 
unduly  prominent.  Fatient  watching,  with  a  careful  analysis  and  study  of 
each  individual  case  will,  however,  usually  dissipate  all  doubts. 

The  previous  history  is  essential  in  reaching  a  diagnosis.  The  duration 
of  the  symptoms  materially  assist  in  determining  whether  we  have  an 
acute  or  chronic  disease  to  contend  with.  If  the  animal  were  recently  to 
all  appearances  in  good  health,  and  the  attack  more  or  less  sudden  in  its 
invasion,  the  disease  is  probably  the  former,  whereas,  if  the  dog  has  for  a 
long  time  shown  certain  signs  of  ailing,  the  disease  is  probably  chronic 
in  character.  A  highly  effective  method  of  reaching  the  diagnosis  of  a 
disease  is  called,  "reasoning  by  way  of  exclusion." 

In  a  case  of  doubt,  the  problem  is  generally  to  decide  between  a  certain 
number  of  diseases.  The  existing  disease  is  one  of  two,  three,  or  more, 
which  may  be  suspected.  Now  if  it  be  difficult  to  decide  which  one  of  these 
is  the  disease  present  from  positive  proof,  it  may  be  practicable  to  decide 
that  there  is  insufficient  evidence  of  the  existence  of  one  or  more,  and 
therefore  they  are  excluded.  By  this  process  of  elimination,  the  number 
ot  diseases  is  diminished,  and  may  be  reduced  even  to  one  disease.  To 
illustrate  the  application  of  this  method.—  , 

Our  dog  does  not  respond  to  the  usual  call.  We  seek  his  kennel  for  the 
cause,  find  him  unable  to  leave  it,  and  observe  the  following  symptoms. 
His  breathing  is  rapid  and  labored;  his  manner  exceedingly  dull;  he  opens 
his  eyes  only  to  close  them  at  once;  hangs  his  head,  it  falls  as  though  he 
slept,  to  be  lifted  as  he  seems  to  waken,  or  disturbed  from  time  to  time  by 
a  dry  hacking  cough,  with  an  attempt  to  vomit,  occasionally  raising  a 
little  colored  sputa.  Nose  and  body  are  very  hot.  He  lays  down  only  to 
assume  at  once  a  sitting  position,  with  forelegs  braced  and  separated. 


DIAGNOSIS  — PROGXQSIS.  21 

The  disease  may  possibly  be  in  the  throat,  but  is  evidently  in  the  chest. 
The  previous  history  tells  us  that  the  symptoms  are  acute,  therefore  we 
can  at  once  eliminate  all  chronic  affections,  and  there  are  left  laryngitis, 
bronchitis,  asthma,  2)letirisy,  and  pneumonia. 

An  examination  of  the  throat  dispels  the  doubt  respecting  laryngitis.  No 
knowledge  of  a  previous  attack,  the  absence  of  wheezing  respiration,  and 
husky,  barking  cough,  and  asthma  is  reasonably  excluded. 

In  bronchitis,  so  early  in  the  disease,  we  should  not  expect  such  marked 
constitutional  symptoms;  while  some  fever  would  probably  be  observed, 
it  would  scarcely  run  so  high;  again,  while  the  breathing  is  often  acceler- 
ated, it  lacks  in  the  early  stages  at  least,  that  labored  character.  Pain  in 
bronchitis  is  evident  when  the  patient  coughs,  and  is  less  apparent  in  the 
interval.  His  discomfort  would  tend  to  make  him  restless,  and  on  lying 
down  he  would  assume  no  unusual  position.  These  facts  considered,  ren- 
der bronchitis  improbable. 

Uneasiness  of  the  animal  is  one  of  the  marked  symptoms  of  pleurisy. 
That  indication  is  absent  in  the  patient  before  us.  The  breathing  too  is 
different,  while  in  pleurisy  it  is  labored,  it  is  also  unmistakably  painful, 
and  inspiration  is  shortened  from  that  cause.  A  dog  affected  with  that 
disease,  would  seem  to  avoid  taking  more  air  into  his  lungs  than  absolutely 
possible.  There  would  be  a  restraint  in  the  working  of  the  muscles  of  the 
chest,  that  plainly  told  of  pain.  This  too  would  be  shown  in  the  cough, 
dry  and  shortened,  with  little  or  nothing  raised.  While  fever  is  present  in 
pleurisy,  it  seldom  in  the  early  stage,  runs  as  high  as  observed  in  this  case. 

If  these  differences  in  symptoms  noted  are  insufficient,  an  examination 
of  the  chest  by  the  ear  will  remove  what  doubts  remain. 

Pleurisy  then  excluded  we  come  at  last,  by  this  method,  to  the  disease  of 
the  animal  before  us— pneumonia. 


PROGNOSIS. 

The  art  of  foretelling  results  in  diseases  is  called  prognosis.  To  deter- 
mine the  probable  end  in  many  cases,  is  often  important  with  reference  to 
treatment.  The  writer  has  deemed  it  wise  to  consider  the  signs  on  which 
prognosis  is  based,  incidentally  in  connection  with  individual  diseases. 
Some  few  obvious  appearances  which  render  the  prognosis  unfavorable, 
may  here  be  mentioned :—  Continued  loss  of  flesh  when  connected  with 
chronic  affections  is  serious.  Very  feeble,  rapid  pulse,  more  especially  in 
acute  diseases,  indicates  a  very  grave  condition.  Among  t\\c  fatal  signs  are 
a  fixedness  of  the  eyes,  denoting  paralysis;  involuntary  discharges,  indicating 
great  insensibility.  X  jerking  inspiration  if  not  dependent  upon  diseases  of 
the  lungs,  betokens  death. 


22  THE  PRINCIPLES  OF  MEDICINE. 

C&US&TIOJY. 

A  knowledge  of  the  causes  of  disease  is  highly  important  as  a  means  of 
prevention.  When  causes  are  traced  to  their  origin,  their  influences  can 
often  be  obviated.  It  not  unfrequently  happens  that  ignorance  of  etiology 
largely  prejudices  recovery,  when  a  knowledge  of  the  morbid  influences, 
still  operative,  might  be  removed. 

The  term  traumatic  is  used  to  distinguish  certain  causes.  Anything  which 
occasions  an  injury  or  wound  of  a  part,  from  which  disease  results,  is  a 
traumatic  cause.  Certain  diseases,  the  origins  of  which  we  are  unable  to 
appreciate,  are  termed  spontaneous. 

Predisposing  or  exciting  causes  are  influences  that  induce  a  tendency 
or  liability  to  certain  affections.  They  alone  may  be  sufficient  to  give  rise 
to  disease,  or  they  may  only  suffice  to  so  influence  the  system,  the  condi- 
tions will  be  favorable  for  the  occurrence  of  it. 


£<DMIXISTERING   MEDICINE. 

It  is  presumed  that  the  owner,  or  at  least  one  familiar  with  the  dog  to  be 
treated,  will  administer  the  medicine.  If  kindness  and  patience  is  exhib- 
ited, little  or  no  trouble  will  be  experienced. 

An  important  object  is  to  concentrate  drugs  as  much  as  possible.  If  given 
in  the  form  of  small  pills,  they  can  be  pressed  into  raw  beef  and  thrown 
to  the  animal,  after  first  tempting  him  with  a  few  pieces. 

When  medicine  is  to  be  given  in  a  bolus  or  very  large  pill,  this  method 
should  be  employed.  Grasp  the  muzzle  of  the  dog  firmly  with  the  left 
hand,  the  thumb  and  fore-finger  on  either  side,  pressing  in  the  upper  lips 
covering  the  teeth,  thus  preventing  his  biting.  His  mouth  being  opened, 
and  head  elevated,  carry  the  bolus  back  into  the  throat  as  far  as  possible 
and  close  his  jaws.  If  he  does  not  swallow  immediately,  closing  his  nos- 
trils, and  stopping  his  breathing  will  be  effectual. 

If  the  dog  is  very  large  or  unruly,  and  liquid  medicine  of  unpleasant 
taste  is  to  be  administered,  an  assistant  will  be  needed. 

Liquids  can  best  be  given  from  a  bottle,  the  assistant  preventing  the 
jaws  closing  and  breaking  it.  A  spoon  is  unfit,  as  much  will  be  spilled  in 
its  use.  Making  a  funnel  of  the  cheek  and  pouring  the  medicine  in  slowly, 
is  an  admirable  method,  and  can  be  employed  if  the  dog  is  unconscious 
and  cannot  swallow;  care  must  be  observed,  allowing  but  little  at  a  time 
to  trickle  down  the  throat. 

Some  medicines  can  be  disguised  in  milk  or  strong  broths.  Ordinarily, 
drugs  should  be  given  upon  an  empty  stomach,  excepting  tonics,  which 
should  enter  with  the  food,  and  be  incorporated  with  it. 


CH&<PTE<R  IV. 


Special  pathology 


tfJVD 


Therapeutics. 


Introduction. 

Before  entering  upon  the  consideration  of  individual  diseases,  it  may 
be  well  to  understand  certain  points  of  distinction,  interesting  and  of  prac- 
tical importance. 

Differences  as  regards  severity  and  duration,  constitute  a  basis  of  the 
division  of  diseases  into  varieties.  The  same  disease  may  be  either  acute, 
subacute,  or  chronic.  A  disease  is  acute  when  it  has  a  certain  degree  of  in- 
tensity, and  runs  a  rapid  course.  The  subacute  variety  has  less  intensity ; 
a  disease  of  moderate  activity.  The  chronic  variety  exists  when  a  disease 
is  subacute,  and  it  is  of  long  continuance.  The  division  into  varieties  based 
on  the  difference  just  named,  is  especially  applicable  to  inflammatory 
affections. 

A  point  of  distinction  of  practical  importance  relates  to  duration.  Some 
diseases  continue  for  a  definite  period,  never  exceeding  certain  limits  in 
this  regard.  Those  which  tend  intrinsically  to  end  after  a  certain  time, 
are  distinguished  as  self  limited. 

In  the  list  of  individual  diseases,  are  some  recognized  as  such  for  the 
sake  of  convenience,  but  which  in  reality,  are  only  effects  or  symptoms  of 
disease,  as  for  example,  jaundice  and  dropsy,  which  are  merely  symptoms 
occurring  in  connection  with  different  affections. 

It  will  be  observed  that  the  term  expectant  is  often  used,  the  treatment 
of  a  disease  by  expectation,  consists  in  watching  carefully  its  progress, 


24  INTR  OD  UCTION. 

and  meeting,  with  appropriate  measures,  unfavorable  events  as  they  arise, 
or  withholding  active  treatment  until  the  need  is  manifest. 

It  will  be  noted  that  in  prescribing  drugs,  simplicity  has  been  observed. 
Not  the  least  important  is  the  selection  of  concentrated  remedies,  divesting 
thernof  nauseousness,  thereby  renderingtheir  administration  less  difficult. 

The  writer  in  prescribing  medicines,  has  deemed  it  wise  and  more  con- 
venient to  choose  some  standard,  and  leave  the  reader  to  divide  or  add  to 
the  doses  as  the  size  of  the  dog  may  warrant.  He  has  therefore  selected 
one  of  about  fifty  pounds  in  weight.  Where  a  toy  dog  is  to  be  treated,  the 
dose  should  be  lessened  one  half,  and  for  a  mastiff  or  St.  Bernard,  or  one 
approaching  in  size,  the  dose  should  be  doubled.  For  instance,  if  the  dose 
one  teaspoonful  is  recommended,  that  would  be  proper  for  a  setter  or  pointer, 
in  fact  any  dog  of  fifty  pounds  weight;  one  half  a  teaspoonful  would  be  the 
dose  for  a  terrier  or  pug,  and  two  teaspoonfuls  for  the  larger  breeds. 

Sufficiently  correct  for  ordinary  purposes  —  a  teaspoon  measures  one 
liquid  drachm  —  a  dessertspoon  two  drachms  —  a  tablespoon  four  drachms,  or 
one  half  an  ounce. 

An  examination  of  a  dog  when  ill  cannot  be  hurriedly  made.  By  patient 
watching  some  clue  as  to  the  location  of  the  disease,  may  be  acquired. 
His  general  appearance,  the  expression  of  his  eyes,  his  breathing,  his 
manner  of  moving  about,  should  be  noted.  He  should  be  forced  to  walk, 
and  his  back  be  particularly  observed,  if  natural  or  arched.  His  way  of 
lying  down,  and  the  position  assumed  may  signify  much. 

By  watching  the  head,  the  point  of  suffering  may  often  be  determined. 
The  ears,  mouth,  tongue,  and  throat  should  be  carefullj-  examined.  To 
note  the  pulse  and  temperature  is  of  especial  importance.  The  former, 
normally  runs  from  eighty  to  one  hundred.  The  indications  from  it  may 
be  read  thus:— When  irregularly  intermittent— nervous  affections;  contin- 
uously intermittent —  possibly  organic  disease  of  the  heart;  rapid  and  bound- 
ing; fever,  or  inflammations;  soft  and  easily  compressible  —  debility  and 
depression;  thin  and  thready — exhaustion  and  death. 

The  examination  of  the  abdomen  should  be  carefully  made.  Observing 
if  the  same  is  soft  and  flaccid,  or  hard  and  tense.  Tenderness  beneath  the 
hand,  will  be  revealed  on  gentle  pressure,  by  the  animal  shrinking,  or 
turning  with  piteous  expression. 

As  regards  nursing,  pure  air,  sunlight,  cleanliness  and  warmth,  nour- 
ishing and  sustaining  diet,  are  the  essentials. 

In  sickness  and  in  health  alike,  man's  true  friend  and  honest  comrade 
the  dog,  deserves  all  the  care  his  owner  can  bestow  upon  him. 


(DISEASES 

OF 

THE  RESPIRATORY  0&GAJVS. 


A cute  Pleurisy. 

Each  lung  is  invested,  upon  its  external  surface,  by  an  exceedingly  del- 
icate rneinbrane,  the  pleura,  which  incloses  the  organ  as  far  as  its  root, 
and  is  then  returned  upon  the  inner  surface  of  the  chest.  The  inner  sur- 
face of  the  pleura  is  smooth,  polished,  and  moistened  by  a  fluid  which 
favors  the  easy  play  of  the  surfaces,  as  the  lungs  alternately  expand  and 
collapse  in  movements  of  respiration. 

In  inflammation  of  this  membrane  or  pleurisy,  this  lubricating  fluid  dis- 
appears, and  the  surfaces  become  roughened,  hot,  swollen,  and  painful  as 
they  come  in  contact  and  rub  together  with  every  inspiration.  This  con- 
dition rarely  exists  longer  than  twenty-four  hours,  and  oftener  a  much 
shorter  time;  then  follows  an  effusion  into  the  affected  side,  the  space 
being  in  some  instances  only  partially  filled,  and  in  others  the  amount  of 
fluid  is  of  sufficient  quantity  to  fill  the  cavity  of  the  pleura,  compressing 
the  lung  into  a  small,  solid  mass.  In  certain  cases  of  acute  pleurisy  which 
pursue  a  favorable  course,  absorption  of  the  liquid  commences  a  few  days 
after  the  accumulation  has  reached  the  maximum.  Should  the  quantity 
remain  stationary,  or  the  diminution  take  place  very  slowly,  after  the 
elapse  of  two  or  three  weeks,  the  disease  becomes  chronic. 

Pleurisy  is  an  unilateral  disease,  that  is,  it  affects  the  pleura  of  one  side 
only.  While  it  may  be  associated  with  pneumonia  (pleuro  pneumonia),  it 
does  not  tend  to  the  development  of  that  disease. 

Causation.  —Acute  pleurisy  may  be  produced  by  contusions,  especially 
if  accompanied  with  fracture  of  the-  ribs,  and  penetrating  wounds.  It  is 
remarkable,  however,  that  severe  injuries  of  the  chest  often  occur  without 
giving  rise  to  this  disease.  Cold  resulting  from  exposure,  is  tin:  more  fire. 
quent  source  of  pleurisy.  It  may,  however,  be  spontaneous,  that  is  pro- 
ceed from  an  unknown  internal  cause. 

Symptoms.  —The  attack  is  usually  sudden.  In  a  certain  proportion  of 
cases,  however,  some  pain  or  soreness  exists  one,  two,  or  three  days  before 
the  development  of  acute  inflammation.  It  is  sometimes  ushered  in  with 
a  chill,  as  shown  by  shivering.    Pain  in  the  affected  side  attends  the  onset 


26  DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS. 

in  a  majority  of  cases,  and  is  usually  intense.  It  is  sharp  and  cutting  in 
character  and  is  felt  especially  in  the  act  of  inhaling.  It  increases  during 
inspiration,  often  becoming  so  severe  that  the  act  is  shortened  and  arrested 
before  completed.  This  is  due  to  the  pain,  caused  by  the  rubbing  together 
of  the  inflamed  sides  of  the  pleura  as  the  lung  expands.  The  respiration 
is  consequently  quickened,  and  the  animal  instinctively  multiplies  the  acts 
to  compensate  for  the  want  of  a  full  inspiration. 

Cough  is  usually  present.  The  pain  in  coughing  leads  instinctively  to 
efforts  to  repress  it,  and  its  character  is  termed  suppressed. 

Fever  is  coincident  with  the  development  of  the  inflammation,  varying 
in  intensity  in  different  cases. 

The  usual  indications  associated  with  fever  are  present;  restlessness, 
thirst,  pulse  rapid,  full,  and  bounding,  nose  hot  and  dry,  tongue  slightly 
coated, -eyes  watery,  and  wearing  a  pleading  anxious  look,  the  whites  red- 
dened and  the  lining  of  the  lids  deeper  in  color. 

After  a  considerable  amount  of  effusion  has  taken  place,  the  symptoms 
are  materially  modified.  The  pain  is  notably  lessened,  the  acts  of  coughing 
are  less  distressing,  and  the  efforts  at  suppression  not  so  apparent.  The 
fever  diminishes,  and  the  other  evidences  of  constitutional  disturbance, 
in  a  manner  disappear.  The  respirations  continue,  more  or  less  hurried, 
their  frequency  now  depending  on  the  compression  of  the  lung  by  fluid. 

If  a  considerable  amount  of  liquid  is  rapidly  effused,  the  respirations  are 
quickened;  the  animal  suffers  from  a  painful  sense  of  the  want  of  breath, 
and  may  be  obliged  to  maintain  a  sitting  posture,  with  fore  legs  spread 
widely  apart.  If  the  quantity  is  not  large  and  the  effusion  has  not  taken 
place  rapidly,  less  suffering  will  be  noted  while  quiet,  but  exertion  will 
cause  panting  and  a  sense  of  suffocation. 

With  a  small  quantity  of  effusion,  the  animal  prefers,  when  lying  down, 
to  lie  on  the  affected  side,  as  in  that  position  he  is  able  to  expand  more 
fully  the  opposite  lung.  With  a  large  quantity  of  fluid  present,  the  breath- 
ing becomes  more  labored  and  abdominal  as  shown  by  the  heaving  action 
of  the  muscles  of  the  flank.  The  limbs  become  dropsical,  suffocation  is 
threatened,  and  death  may  result  from  that  cause. 

Diagnosis.  — In  the  earlier  stages  some  difficulty  will  be  experienced  in 
discriminating  between  the  disease  under  consideration,  and  pneumonia. 
An  examination  of  the  chest  by  inspection,  will  show  restrained  move- 
ments, caused  by  the  pain.  Examination  by  the  ear  will  determine  the 
respiratory  sound  more  or  less  weakened  on  the  affected  side,  due  to  the 
fact  that  pain  leads  instinctively  to  a  diminished  use  of  the  lung  involved, 
while  the  action  of  the  other  lung  is  increased.  No  great  importance  can 
be  attached  to  this  sign  alone,  as  in  some  attacks  of  pneumonia,  severe 
pain  may  exist,  and  the  same  appearance  be  present.    A  pleural  friction 


ACUTE  PLEURISY.  27 

sound  is  a  sound  of  grazing,  rubbing,  or  grating,  due  to  the  movements,  in 
opposite  directions  of  the  pleural  surfaces  with  inspiration  and  expiration. 
The  sound  is  more  or  less  intense,  dry,  and  appears  to  be  near  the  ear, 
conveying  the  idea  of  friction  of  roughened  surfaces.  If  this  is  distinctly 
present,  its  diagnostic  significance  is  important,  showing  pleurisy  exists. 

The  signs  belonging  to  the  second  stage  manifest  themselves  without 
much  delay.  Liquid  effusion  having  taken  place  in  sufficient  quantity  to 
be  apparent,  the  diagnosis  is  easier. 

The  signs  of  an  effusion  are  obtained  by  percussion,  auscultation,  and 
inspection.  To  determine  by  percussion,  press  the  palm  and  fingers  of  the 
left  hand  firmly  against  the  side  of  the  chest,  then  tap  lightly  one  finger 
with  the  second  finger  of  the  right  hand,  giving  a  sharp  quick  blow. 
If  the  sound  given  forth  is  dead  and  flat,  it  denotes  an  absence  of  air  within 
the  part  of  the  chest  percussed.  On  auscultation  the  respiratory  sound  is 
either  suppressed  or  but  feebly  heard,  unless  the  quantity  of  liquid  is 
sufficient  to  compress  the  lung  into  a  solid  mass,  then  the  sound  is  intensi- 
fied, rude,  and  harsh,  like  that  heard  on  placing  the  ear  to  the  neck  of  the 
animal.  If  the  quantity  of  liquid  be  large  enough  to  distend  the  pleural 
sac,  the  depression  between  the  ribs  of  affected  side  may  be  diminished 
and  even  swell  out.  This  complete  distension  by  liquid  effusions  is,  how- 
ever, exceptionally  rare. 

2*rog nost's .—The  prognosis  in  acute,  uncomplicated  cases  of  pleurisy, 
with  but  little  effusion,  is  favorable ,  provided  the  constitution  of  the 
animal  is  not  enfeebled.  The  presence  of  a  large  liquid  effusion  is  a  very 
unfavorable  sign,  and  death  may  result  from  suffocation  or  exhaustion. 

When  recovery  takes  place  from  pleurisy,  the  roughened  surfaces  of  the 
pleura  come  together  and  are  united  by  adhesion  of  newly  found  tissue. 

Treatment .—  The  objects  of  treatment  in  acute  pleurisy,  differ  in  its 
different  stages.  The  purposes  in  the  first,  are  to  arrest,  if  possible,  the 
progress  of  the  disease,  to  diminish  its  intensity,  if  it  be  not  arrested,  and 
to  relieve  suffering.  The  indications  are  essentially  the  same  as  in  the 
earlier  period  of  most  acute  inflammations. 

The  remedy  of  the  first  importance  is  opium  in  some  form.  It  is  invalu- 
able not  only  for  its  palliative,  but  its  curative  action.  By  relieving  pain, 
it  diminishes  the  determination  of  blood  to  the  inflamed  parts.  It  also 
lessens  the  constitutional  disturbance,  and  enables  the  system  to  tolerate 
better  the  local  affection.  Conjoined  with  the  use  of  opium,  remedies 
addressed  to  the  circulation,  may  be  employed.  Aconite  is  preferred, 
because  its  sedative  effect  upon  circulation  is  produced  without  depress- 
ion. Blisters  should  not  be  applied  in  this  stage.  Cloths  wrung  out  of  hot 
water  and  bound  around  the  chest  will  act  as  a  palliative,  and  afford 
marked  relief. 


28  ACUTE    PLEURISY. 

Opium  and  aconite  are  conveniently  combined  in  the  following  mixture — 
R.    Morphiae  Sulphatis  gr.  ij 

Tr.  Aconiti  Iiad.  gtt.  xxv 

Aquae  g  iij 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful. 
This  should  be  given  every  three  or  five  hours  until  the  pain  subsides 
and  the  animal  is  inclined  to  sleep. 

While  the  pain  continues,  and  the  fever  remains  unabated,  the  sedative 
mixture  should  be  persisted  in.  A  mild  purgative,  in  the  form  of  syrup 
of  buckthorn  in  tablespoonful  doses  may  be  added  to  the  treatment,,  to  aid 
in  lessening  the  fever,  and  restraining  the  liquid  effusion. 

In  the  second  stage  after  the  pain  and  fever  have  subsided,  the  object  of 
treatment  is  to  promote  absorption  of  the  liquid.    The  kidneys  may  be 
stimulated  to  increased  activity  by  the  following— 
R.    Potass.  Acet.  3  iv 

Infus.  Digitalis  §  iv 

Aquae  g  ij 

Ft.  Mist.  Sig.  Dose  two  teaspoonfuls  every  five  or  six  hours. 
Counter  irritation  may  now  be  resorted  to,  the  tincture  of  iodine  applied 
with  a  brush  preferred.  The  important  object  is  to  support  and  nourish 
the  animal.  Laxatives  and  external  applications  must  be  discontinued  if 
the  general  strength  seems  impaired  by  their  use.  The  diet  should  be  nutri- 
tious and  concentrated.  Tonic  remedies  are  useful  and  may  be  given  in 
the  form  of  the  tincture  of  iron,  twenty  drops  well  diluted,  or  quinine  in 
two  grain  doses,  three  times  a  day.  Throughout  the  disease,  pure  air, 
warmth,  and  cleanliness  are  absolutely  essential. 

During  convalescence,  the  object  is  tore-establish  the  normal  health. 
Gentle  exercise  out  of  doors  is  to  be  encouraged,  and  the  local  affection 
will  disappear  in  proportion  to  the  rapidity  with  which  improvement  in 
the  general  condition  takes  place. 


DISEASES   OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS.  29 

Omsojvic  <Pleu<risy. 

Chronic  pleurisy  occasionally  follows  the  acute  form  of  the  disease,  hut 
in  the  majority  of  cases  is  a  sub-acute  affection  from  the  first.  It  is  often 
developed  imperceptibly ,  those  prominent  symptoms  observed  in  the 
acute  form,  being  absent  or  lacking  sufficient  intensity  to  characterize 
the  disease. 

Anatomically,  the  conditions  existing  in  chronic  pleurisy  are  essentially 
the  same  as  in  the  acute  form.  The  pleural  cavity  contains  a  liquid  effu- 
sion of  serum  and  lymph ,  -which  in  the  event  of  recovery  becomes 
absorbed.  Bands  of  adhesion  are  formed  uniting  the  inner  surface  of  the 
pleura,  and  the  chest  walls  become  contracted,  leaving  a  depression  gen- 
erally permanent,  more  especially  in  cases  of  large  effusions. 

Causation.— The  same  influences  may  give  rise  to  chronic  that  are 
involved  in  the  causation  of  acute  pleurisy.  It  may  be  induced  traumati- 
cally,  and  is  sometimes  due  to  exposure.  More  often  it  proceeds  from 
internal  causes  which  are  not  understood. 

Symptoms. — Cough,  pain  and  tenderness  are  frequently  wanting,  and 
rarely  prominent  in  this  disease.  The  most  marked  symptom  is  the  in- 
creased frequency  of  the  respirations,  which  may  be  moderate  while  at 
rest,  but  become  evident  on  exercise.  Here,  as  in  the  acute  form,  the 
embarrassment  in  breathing  will  depend  upon  the  amount  and  rapidity 
with  which  the  effusion  takes  place.  The  pulse  generally  runs  above  the 
normal,  and  is  small  and  compressible.    Appetite  is  impaired. 

Diarrhoea  occurs  in  some  cases,  and  emaciation  may  follow,  although 
the  strength  is  often  maintained  to  a  marked  degree,  and  the  animal  be 
out  and  take  considerable  easy  exercise. 

Diagnosis.  — The  symptoms  apparent  in  this  disease  will  aid  much,  but 
a  positive  diagnosis  can  hardly  be  reached  without  auscultation  and  per- 
cussion. The  signs  of  liquid  effusion  are  the  same  in  chronic  as  in  acute 
pleurisy.  In  the  former  the  amount  is  often  greater,  and  the  contraction 
of  the  affected  side  is  more  marked  after  absorption. 

Chronic  pleurisy  is  often  associated  with  other  diseases,  among  them 
pulmonary  consumption  and  dropsical  affections,  which,  by  their  indi- 
vidual symptoms,  may  be  detected. 

Prognosis .  —  Simple  chronic  pleurisy  unassociated  with  any  other 
serious  disease,  and  occurring  in  an  animal  previously  healthy,  may  be 
recovered  from,  but  a  permanent  deformity,  in  contraction  of  the  affected 
side  is  quite  certain  to  result.  Death  often  occurs  from  associated  com- 
plications. In  many  cases  a  breaking  down  of  the  lungs  follows  chronic 
pleurisy,  and  the  disease  assumes  the  form  of  consumption.  In  other  cases 
absorption  of  the  effusion  may  go  on  to  a  certain  extent,  and  the  animal 


30  CHRONIC  PLEURISY. 

regain  good  health,  even  although  a  portion  of  the  liquid  remains. 

Chronic  pleurisy  may  end  in  empyema,  in  which  disease  the  liquid  be- 
comes purulent,  and  from  which  recovery  is  very  doubtful. 

Tre«?j>ie?i?.  —  T\\e  objects  of  treatment  are  to  remove  the  effused  liquid, 
and  develop  and  sustain  the  general  strength  of  the  system.  For  the  first 
object,  the  measures  which  may  be  employed,  are  the  same  as  in  the  last 
stage  of  acute  pleurisy.  Small  blisters,  or  the  tincture  of  iodine  may  be 
applied  to  the  affected  side,  and  mild  laxatives  should  be  judiciously  given 
if  the  general  condition  and  strength  warrant  their  use. 

The  second  object  calls  for  tonic  remedies,  which  should  be  given  three 
times  a  day.  A  pill,  combining  several  of  the  more  powerful  agents,  can 
be  made  as  follows  — 

R    Quiniaa  Sulph.  gr.  xxiv 

Ferri  Carb.  g  ss 

Ext.  Nucis  Vomica?      gr.  viij 
Ft.  Pil.  No.  xxiv.    Sig.  Dose  one  three  times  daily. 
Tonics  should  be  persisted  in,  and  may  be  changed  occasionally,  as  the 
animal  becomes  accustomed  to  their  use.    The  pills  may,  after  a  time,  be 
discontinued,  and  the  syrup  of  the  iodide  of  iron  in  ten  drop  doses,  or  the 
elixir  of  calisaya  bark,  iron,  and  strychnia  in  teaspoonful  doses,  be  given. 
If  the  animal  be  thin  in  flesh,  cod  liver  oil  must  be  added  to  the  treatment. 
Pure  air,  gentle  exercise,  and  nutritious  diet  are  essential  in  this,  as  in 
all  exhausting  diseases. 

In  extreme  cases,  where  a  rapid  formation  of  the  liquid  effusion  threat- 
ens death  by  suffocation,  tapping  the  chest  may  be  resorted  to,  but  a  skil- 
ful physician,  the  family  attendant,  should  be  employed  for  the  operation, 
which,  in  but  few  cases,  will  result  successfully,  as  the  fluid  generally 
returns. 


DISEASES   OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS.  31 

(Pneumonia. 

An  inflammation  of  the  substance  of  the  lungs,  or  pneumonia  is  charac- 
terized by  an  exudation  into  the  air  cells,  solidifying  for  a  time  that  por- 
tion of  the  lung  affected.  The  first  appreciable  anatomical  change  in  this 
disease  is  an  abnormal  accumulation  of  blood,  due  to  an  active  congestion 
of  the  parts  involved.  This  condition  lasts  but  for  a  short  time,  and  is 
speedily  followed  by  an  exudation,  a  material  which  escapes  from  the 
blood  and  coagulates  within  the  air-cells.  The  cells  are  filled  and  dis- 
tended with  this  exuded  matter  and  cease  to  contain  air.  The  lung  is 
solidified,  presenting  an  appearance  not  unlike  liver,  and  hence  this  con- 
dition is  called  hepatization. 

If  the  progress  of  the  disease  be  favorable,  the  exudation  is  removed 
mainly  or  exclusively  by  absorption,  and  the  recovery  of  the  affected 
part  is  complete.  If  the  disease  progresses  unfavorably,  absorption  of  the 
product  within  the  air  cells  does  not  take  place,  the  substance  of  the  lung 
softens  and  breaks  down,  a  condition  called  purulent  infiltration. 

The  constitutional  symptoms  then  become  more  marked,  the  distress 
more  apparent.  The  expression  grows  even  more  piteous  and  haggard, 
the  eyes  more  sunken.  The  nostrils  dilate,  the  cough  loose,  becomes  per- 
sistent and  distressing,  and  the  mouth  and  lips  are  covered  with  a  thick 
slime.  The  breath  which  has  a  sweet,  sickish  odor,  comes  quick  and  short. 
Approaching  suffocation  is  obvious.  The  sitting  position  so  long  main- 
tained is  still  persevered  in,  until  the  limbs  become  dropsical,  the  skin 
cold  and  clammy,  the  pulse  faint  and  flickering,  finally  death  ends  all. 

Causation.—  While  exposure  to  cold,  is  an  evident  cause  of  pneumonia 
in  many  cases,  it  is  probably  but  an  exciting  influence  co-operating  with 
an  existing  morbid  condition  or  predisposition,  which  we  are  unable  to 
comprehend.  The  disease  is  in  many  cases  developed  spontaneously,  no 
obvious  cause  apparent. 

Symptoms.  — The,  invasion  of  the  disease  is  often  abrupt.  In  a  large 
proportion  of  cases  pneumonia  is  ushered  in  with  a  chill,  as  shown  by 
shiverings.  Speedily  following  the  chill  pain  is  manifest,  in  some  cases 
severe,  in  others  very  slight.  Cough  usually  appears  soon  after  the  attack 
commences.  It  may  be  prominent,  and  is  sometimes  wanting.  The  matter 
coughed  up  is  at  first  scanty  and  thick.  In  a  certain  proportion  of  cases 
it  soon  assumes  a  character  distinctive  of  the  disease  termed  rusty,  from 
its  reddish  tint  like  iron  rust. 

Fever  follows  immediately  the  invasion  of  the  disease.  The  pulse  runs 
high,  loss  of  appetite  occurs,  great  thirst  is  experienced,  and  prostration 
manifested.  The  nose  becomes  hot  and  dry,  the  eyes  reddened.  The  res- 
pirations increase  in  frequency,  as  the  disease  progresses,  until  a  sense 


82  PNEUMONIA. 

of  suffocation  forces  the  animal  to  assume  a  sitting  position,  with  extend- 
ed head  and  protruded  tongue. 

Diagnosis.  — During  the  early  stage,  by  placing  the  ear  to  the  affected 
side,  crepitation  can  he  heard  in  most  cases.  This  when  present  is  highly 
distinctive  of  pneumonia.  The  crepitant  sound  is  dry,  very  fine,  crackling, 
and  heard  only  on  inspiration.  This  sound  is  due  to  the  separation  or 
bursting  of  agglutinized  bubbles,  and  is  much  the  same  as  one  hears  made 
by  the  boot  when  walking  on  crusted  snow. 

In  the  second  stage,  after  the  lung  has  become  solidified,  percussion 
shows  marked  dulness,  a  flat  dead  sound  being  emitted.  The  respiratory 
sound  becomes  exaggerated  by  the  law  of  transmission  of  sound  by  solids, 
and  the  bronchial  respiration  is  distinctly  heard.  Crepitation  may  be 
present  in  this  stage,  and  may  be  wanting. 

When  recovery  from  the  disease  commences,  the  respiratory  sound 
grows  more  natural,  crepitation  at  times  returns,  and  frequently  a  sub- 
crepitant  sound  is  heard.  This  is  fine,  moist,  and  bubbling,  carrying  the 
idea  of  small  bubbles,  heard  with  either  inspiration  or  expiration,  or  with 
both  acts. 

Dulness  on  percussion,  becomes  less  and  less  marked,  and  finally  dis- 
appears, but  a  trace  is  often  left  for  a  time  after  an  examination  by  the 
ear  shows  the  exudation  to  have  been  removed.  If  the  disease  does  not 
clear  up,  but  passes  into  the  stage  of  infiltration,  the  dulness  or  flatness 
on  percussion  continues,  and  coarse  bubbling  sounds  are  detected,  due  to 
the  presence  of  pus  in  the  air-cells,  heard  at  times  louder  just  after  cough- 
ing, and  can  often  be  appreciated  by  placing  the  flat  of  the  hand  to  the 
chest,  when  a  sensation  of  fine  bubbling  will  be  transmitted. 

Prognosis.  —Pneumonia  is  a  very  serious  disease,  and  is  very  often 
fatal.  At  times  only  a  small  proportion  of  the  lung  is  affected,  the  disease 
then  being  termed  circumscribed.  The  extent  of  the  disease  in  a  great 
measure  indicates  the  gravity  and  danger.  Accidents  and  complications 
are  very  liable  to  invest  the  cases  with  greater  gravity,  and  where  there 
are  no  symptoms  which  denote  imminent  danger,  sudden  changes  often 
take  place  for  the  worse. 

When  convalescence  in  the  disease  sets  in,  recovery  is  generally  com- 
plete.   From  purulent  infiltration  there  is  very  little  hope  of  recovery. 

Treatment.  —Pneumonia  belongs  among  those  diseases  distinguished 
as  self  limited.  If  uncomplicated  and  not  attended  with  accidents,  it  runs 
a  definite  course,  ending  in  restoration,  provided  the  powers  are  main- 
tained. The  treatment  must  be  supportive  and  every  influence  calculated 
to  depress  the  system. must  be  studiously  avoided. 

In  the  first  stage,  the  object  should  be  to  relieve  symptoms,  to  diminish 
the  intensity  of  the  inflammation,  and    prepare  the  system  to  bear  the 


PNEUMONIA.  33 

severe  strain  forced  upon  it.  Many  authors  advise  the  use  of  blisters,  but 
this  the  writer  cannot  endorse,  considering  their  employment  injudicious. 

Other  authorities  recommend  flaxseed  meal  poultices,  and  warm  fomen- 
tations. These  arc  objectionable  from  the  fact  that  the  animal  is  liable  to 
become  chilled  while  the  applications  are  being  removed  and  changed. 
The  object  is  to  prevent  the  air  coming  in  contact  with  the  chest,  and  no 
better  means  can  be  devised  than  the  cotton  jacket.  Many  thicknesses  of 
cotton  batting  can  be  quilted  on  to  cloth,  cut  with  holes  for  the  fore  legs, 
aiid  roughly  shaped  to  envelop  the  chest  from  the  neck  to  the  loins.  Tin's 
when  basted  on  to  the  animal  is  a  sure  protection,  and  contributes  to  his 
comfort,  by  keeping  the  skin  moistened  with  perspiration  ,  and  all  the 
advantages  of  a  poultice  are  thereby  secured. 

Opium  should  be  given  in  the  first  stage  to  subdue  the  pain  and  to  quiet 
the  system.  If  the  pulse  is  full  and  boun*ling  and  the  animal  in  good 
health  previous  to  the  attack,  sedatives  may  be  combined  with  the  opiate, 
and  the  morphine  and  aconite  prescription,  recommended  in  acute  pleu- 
risy be  used.  If  pain  is  not  severe,  and  fever  runs  high,  the  tincture  of 
aconite  root  may  be  given  every  two  hours,  alone,  or  in  the  following 
mixture  — 

R    Tr.  Opii   Camphoratse       5  i 

Tr.  Aeoniti  Rad.  gtt.  xxv 

Potass.  Chloratis  3  ij 

Amnion.  Muriatis  5  i 

Syr.  Simplicis  §  i 

Aquae  ad.   §  iij 

Ft.  Mist.    Shake  well.  Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful  from  four  to  six  hours. 

A  room  of  equitable  temperature  should  be  chosen,  and  good  ventilation 
be  maintained.  Never  wait  in  pneumonia  until  trouble  comes;  rather 
anticipate  it,  and  be  prepared  for  emergencies.  Commence  early  with 
supportive  measures,  and  insist  upon  it  the  animal  takes  nourishment 
at  regular  intervals.  Select  the  concentrated  and  most  sustaining  nutri- 
ment such  as  raw  eggs,  beef  juice,  and  beef  exti-acts. 

To  support  and  sustain  the  vital  powers  and  to  prolong  life  beyond  the 
limit  of  the  disease,  is  the  general  indication  in  the  second  stage.  Opium 
if  indicated  may  still  be  persisted  in,  and  stimulants  and  stimulating  tonics 
should  be  commenced.  Given  moderately  at  first,  but  pushed  if  the  need 
becomes  manifest.  Quinine  in  two  grain  doses  should  be  given  every  four 
hours,  and  two  teaspoonfuls  of  brandy  may  be  administered  in  milk  at 
intervals,  and  the  effects  watched.  Shouldthe  pulse  weaken,  the  stimulant 
must  be  increased  to  a  tablespoonful  dose,  and  given  every  two  or  three 
hours.  If  failure  of  the  powers  seems  imminent,  one  teaspoonful  of  the 
aromatic  spirit  of  ammonia  must  be  added  to  each  dose  of  brandy. 


34  PNEUMONIA. 

If  the  limit  of  the  disease  is  reached,  and  resolution  commenced,  recov- 
ery promises  to  he  rapid,  and  there  is  little  or  no  danger  of  a  renewed 
attack.  In  the  stage  of  resolution,  tonic  remedies  are  indicated,  the  quinine 
can  be  discontinued,  and  some  combination  of  iron  be  substituted.  The 
elixir  calisaya  bark,  iron  and  strychnine,  in  teaspoonful  doses  before  feed- 
ing, is  an  admirable  tonic.  It  is  sometimes  difficult  to  secure  a  reliable 
preparation  however,  in  which  event  the  following  mixture  will  be  found 
useful  — 

R    Ferri  et  Ammonise  Cit.        Siss. 
Tr.  Nucis  Vomicae  3ij 

Tr.  Cinchona)  Comp.  giv 

Ft.  Mist.  Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful  three  times  dailj-  before  feeding. 
Cod  liver  oil  should  be  added  to  the  treatment,  and  given  in  tablespoonfnl 
doses  after  eating  or  mixed  with  the  food.  As  soon  as  the  animal  is  fairly 
convalescent  a  solid  diet  may  be  allowed,  meat  raw  or  cooked  as  he  seems 
to  prefer,  in  fact  anything  within  reason  that  he  will  eat,  and  the  quantity 
need  not  be  much  restricted.  Exercise  in  the  open  air  in  pleasant  weather 
should  be  early  encouraged. 

In  event  the  lung  breaks  down,  and  the  disease  passes  into  the  stage  of 
purulent  infiltration,  there  is  little  or  no  hope  for  the  animal.  The  only 
treatment  is  to  crowd  the  stimulants  and  nourishment. 

Recent  authorities  have  advised  the  use  of  chloral  hydrate,  to  combat 
the  pain  in  pneumonia.  The  writer  feels  that  there  are  decided  objections 
to  its  use,  from  its  peculiar  depressing  action  on  the  heart,  which  organ 
throughout  the  disease  needs  to  be  stimulated  and  strengthened. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS.  35 

(BRONCHITIS. 

An  inflammation  seated  in  the  lining  membrane  of  the  larger  bronchial 
tubes  constitutes  the  disease  called  bronchitis,  a  very  common  affection 
among  dogs.  It  is  generally  ushered  in  by  an  inflammation  of  the  mucous 
membrane  of  the  nasal  passages,  which  commencing  in  the  nostrils  travels 
downward,  to  the  lungs. 

The  disease  may  be  divided  into  two  stages,  which  can  be  conveniently 
termed  the  dry  and  the  moist.  From  the  occurrence  of  the  first  symptoms 
in  the  nose,  in  from  one  to  three  days  the  disease  makes  the  transit  to  the 
larger  bronchial  tubes,  the  mucous  membrane  of  which  becomes  dry,  red- 
dened, swollen,  and  sensitive.  In  the  progress  of  the  affection,  after  two 
or  three  days,  the  mucous  secretion ,  which  has  been  absent  or  scanty, 
reappears  and  is  abnormally  increased. 

Bronchitis  may  be  primary  or  secondary,  that  is  it  may  occur  as  a  distinct 
affection  or  be  developed  as  a  complication  of  certain  diseases,  such  as 
pneumonia,  or  consumption. 

It  maybe  either  acute,  sub-acute,  or  chronic,  as  based  on  the  differences 
as  regards  the  severity  and  duration  of  the  inflammation. 

Causation.  — Exposure  to  damp  and  cold;  violent  exercise,  and  subse- 
quent confinement  in  draughty  kennels;  changes  in  the  weather,  and 
some  special  atmospheric  influence  not  understood.  This  is  to  be  inferred 
when  the  disease  prevails  as  an  epidemic. 

Symptoms.  — Shivering,  and  the  common  evidences  of  catarrh,  are  the 
primary  symptoms  noted,  followed  by  some  fever,  higher  pulse,  thirst, 
loss  of  appetite,  dulness  and  general  lassitude.  The  cough  is  at  first  dry 
and  painful,  but  not  suppressed.  This  changes  as  the  mucous  secretion 
becomes  abundant,  then  the  pain  abates,  the  cough  loosens  and  has  a  softer 
tone.  Respiration  is  usually  unaffected,  rapid  breathing  being  observed 
only  in  exceptional  cases,  in  which  the  mucous  secretions  accumulate,  and 
obstruct  the  bronchial  tubes.  The  expectoration  is  at  first  small  and  scanty, 
later  copious  and  frothy.  The  eyes  are  reddened,  the  nose  hot,  and  glued 
with  a  thick  mucus  which  becoming  free  and  thin,  is  accompanied  with 
frequent  sneezing. 

These  symptoms  are  present  in  ordinary  bronchitis.  An  unfrequent  and 
graver  form  is  developed  when  the  inflammation  affects  the  smaller  tubes. 
This  is  termed  capillary  bronchitis,  and  differs  widely  from  the  ordinary 
acute  disease.  It  is  an  exceedingly  grave  affection,  and  the  danger  proceeds 
from  obstruction  to  the  current  of  air  to  and  from  the  air-cells.  This 
obstruction  is  due  to  the  small  size  of  the  affected  tubes.  The  'swelling  of 
the  mucous  membrane,  and  the  presence  of  the  muco-purulent  liquid, 
which  in  the  larger  tubes  do  not  interrupt  the  free  passage  of  air  during 


36  BRONCHITIS. 

respiration,  here  occasions  serious  interference.  In  the  capillary  form  of 
bronchitis,  all  the  symptoms  of  suffocation  are  present  and  death  usually 
results  from  that  cause. 

"Diagnosis .  —  Acute  bronchitis  is  to  he  discriminated  from  pleurisy  and 
pneumonia,  more  especially  the  latter.  The  absence  of  severe  pain  and 
rapid  breathing,  the  presence  of  a  copious  expectoration,  which  is  not 
rusty,  are  negative  points,  which,  with  an  examination  of  the  chest,  will 
render  a  diagnosis  easy. 

On  percussion  nothing  abnormal  is  detected.  On  auscultation  coarse 
mucous  rattles  are  heard  throughout  the  chest.  Their  presence  and  diffu- 
sion over  both  sides  are  distinctive  of  the  disease.  The  gravity  of  the 
symptoms  will  indicate  whether  capillary  or  simple  acute  bronchitis  is 
present. 

^Prognosis. — Ordinary  bronchitis  when  unassociated  with  other  diseases 
is  dangerous  only  in  very  young  puppies  and  old  dogs.  A  mild  attack  is 
soon  recovered  from.  In  the  capillary  form,  there  is  little  or  no  hope  for 
the  animal  so  affected. 

Treatment. — A  very  important  item  is  to  guard  against  changes  in  the 
temperature.  The  patient  should  be  kept  in  a  room  well  ventilated  and 
comfortably  heated.  In  the  earlier  stage,  an  attempt  should  be  made  to 
abort  the  disease,  with  from  five  to  ten  grains  of  Dover's  powder  at  night, 
and  an  application  of  mustard  and  vinegar,  or  kerosene  oil  to  the  chest, 
anointing  the  parts  afterwards  with  fresh  lard.  This  treatment  should  be 
followed  the  next  morning  with  a  dose  of  castor  oil  or  syrup  of  buckthorn. 

The  effort  if  unsuccessful  will  at  least  lessen  the  severity  of  the  disease. 
For  the  cough  in  the  earlier  stage  the  following  is  recommended  — 

R    Syr.  Scillae  I  i 

Spts.  iEth.  Comp.  gi 

Syr.  Tolu  g  ij 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful  every  three  or  four  hours. 
If  the  cough  becomes  a  distressing  symptom,  opium  can  be  wisely  com 
bined  with  expectorant  remedies,  as  in  the  following— 

R    Sol.  Morph.  Sulph. 
Syr.  Scillae 
Vini  Ipecac 
Syr.  Senegas  a  a  §i 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful  every  three  or  four  hours. 
In  the  second  stage,  nutritious  diet  and  tonic  remedies  are  measures 
which  assist  in  recovery ;  two  grains  of  quinine  may  wisely  be  given  two 
or  three  times  a  day. 
The  chlorate  of  potassa  is  :i  remedy  of  great  value  in  all  diseases  of  the 


DISEASES    OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS.  37 

mucous  membranes,  more  especially  when  the  secretions  arc  scanty.    Jt 
will  he  found  efficacious  in  all  stages  of  bronchitis,  and  may  be  added 
freely  to  the  water  the  animal  drinks,  or  given  in  the  following  mixture  — 
R    Potass.  Chloratis        3  ij 
Syr.  Scilloe  §  ss 

Syr\  Tolu.  gij 

Aquse  ad.  giv 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful  every  three  or  four  hours. 
If  the  disease  involves  the  smaller  bronchial  tubes,  and  suffocation  is 
threatened,  an  emetic  should  be  administered  and  a  stimulating  expecto- 
rant given  as  in  the  following — 

R    Ammonia?  Carb.        5  i j 
Syr.  Senegse  §  iij 

Ft.  Mist.  Sig.  Dose  one  half  a  teaspoonful  in  a  tablespoonful  of  pepper- 
mint water  every  two  hours. 

When  danger  of  sinking  is  evident,  whiskey  or  brandy  may  be  added  to 
the  treatment  and  given  in  dessertspoonful  doses,  as  often  as  the  urgency 
demands. 

If  the  disease  tends  to  pass  into  the  chronic  form,  cod  liver  oil  two  or 
three  times  a  day  should  be  given,  with  an  iron  tonic  of  elixir  calisaya 
bark,  iron,  and  bismuth,  close  one  teaspoonful. 

As  a  rule  expectorant  remedies  are  not  indicated  in  chronic  bronchitis, 
and  do  harm  by  their  depressing  effect,  and  by  disturbing  the  appetite  and 
digestion. 


38  DISEASES   OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS. 

Consumption. 

The  term  consumption,  wasting  of  the  body,  strictly  speaking,  implies 
pulmonary  tuberculosis,  an  affection  characterized  by  the  presence  in  the 
lungs  of  a  morbid  product  called  tubercle.  This  deposit  eventually  under- 
goes softening,  becomes  liquefied,  ulcerations  follow,  and  destruction  of 
the  lungs  result. 

Causation. — Every  influence  which  appears  to  affect  the  health  has 
been  alleged  to  be  a  cause  of  consumption,  by  impairing  the  nourishment 
of  the  body  and  inducing  poverty  of  the  blood.  Bad  air,  deficiency  and 
poor  quantity  of  food  are  prominent  factors.  Poor  food  injures  the  mucous 
membrane  of  the  stomach  and  intestines,  and  produces  repeated  attacks 
of  irritation  in  those  parts.  That  the  seeds  of  consumption  are  planted  by 
breeding  in  and  in,  is  quite  probable. 

Antecedent  diseases  of  the  respiratory  organs  may  induce  the  affection 
directly,  and  other  serious  derangements  tend  to  its  development.  Jacobi 
reports  that  a  dog  which  ate  the  sputa  of  his  master,  ill  with  the  disease, 
died  of  consumption;  an  evidence  of  communicability. 

Some  authors  include  asthma  among  the  causes  of  consumption.  This 
is  not  the  case  however,  as  the  presence  of  asthma  seems  to  afford  protec- 
tion against  pulmonary  tuberculosis. 

Symptoms. — In  many  cases,  latent  symptoms  exist  without  sufficient 
prominence  to  excite  suspicion,  and  a  cough  dates  the  beginning  of  the 
disease.  The  number  of  respirations  is  somewhat  increased,  the  heart's 
action  irritable,  and  the  pulse  accelerated.  The  loss  of  flesh  is  perceptible, 
the  appetite  somewhat  diminished,  the  coat  becomes  staring  and  the  hair 
falls  out.  Fever  sets  in  and  runs  at  intervals.  The  strength  is  obviously 
impaired.  Emaciation  gradually  becomes  extreme,  diarrhoea  sets  in,  the 
animal  becomes  exhausted  and  dies.  The  symptoms  and  course  of  the 
disease  are  modified  by  complications,  or  as  other  organs  are  involved. 

Treatment.  —  In  the  earlier  stages  certain  agents  may  be  employed  with 
a  hope  of  arresting  the  disease;  the  results  will  however  in  the  majority  of 
cases  prove  negative.  The  compound  syrup  hypophosphites  may  be  given 
in  teaspoonful  doses  before  feeding,  and  cod  liver  oil  in  tablespoonful 
doses  two  or  three  times  daily  with  the  food.  The  diet  should  be  nutri- 
tious and  concentrated.  Pain  and  distress  demand  the  administration  o'v 
opiates. 

Apparent  to  all  is  the  utter  hopelessness  of  recovery  after  the  lungs  are 
materially  affected.  When  the  disease  is  suspected,  but  the  symptoms  are 
insufficiently  pronounced  to  sustain  a  positive  diagnosis,  a  radical  change 
of  air  should,  if  possible,  be  tried.  If  improvement  does  not  follow  then 
an  abrupt  ending  of  the  animal's  sufferings  is  in  mercy  justified. 


DISEASES   OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS.  30 

tfSTHMti. 

The  term  asthma  should  properly  he  limited  to  one  morbid  condition. 
Veterinarians  distinguish  between  the  congestive  and  spasmodic  forms. 
The  congestive  and  more  common  affection  observed  among  dogs,  is  due 
to  an  inflamed  state  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  bronchial  tubes.  In 
a  great  majority  of  cases  bronchitis  exists,  and  the  susceptibility  to  the 
exciting  causes  is  increased  by  its  presence.  The  disease  is  more  common 
in  old  age,  and  among  obese,  over  fed,  house  dogs.  The  predisposing 
causes  are  derangement  of  the  circulatory  system,  such  as  heart  and  lung 
diseases,  and  chronic  indigestion. 

Causation.  —  The  existing  causes  are  many;  cold  from  exposure,  acute 
bronchial  inflammation,  and  certain  inhalations  are  particularly  liable 
to  bring  on  an  attack. 

Symptoms.—  Labored  efforts  of  breathing  prompted  by  a  sense  of  suffo- 
cation, croupy  respirations  not  increased  in  rapidity,  and  at  times  less  in 
number  than  normal.  Inspiration  jerking,  expiration  accompanied  with 
a  wheezing  sound.  Distress  and  greater  difficulty  in  breathing  on  exertion. 
Nostrils  dilating,  expression  piteous  and  anxious.  Cough  in  many  instan- 
ces exists  prior  to,  or  manifests  itself  during  an  attack  of  asthma.  A 
dilatation  of  the  air  cells  is  generally  associated  with  this  disease  if  severe 
and  of  long  standing. 

Diagnosis.  —The  diagnosis  is  not  difficult;  the  disease  has  such  distinct- 
ive differences,  it  need  not  be  confounded  with  other  affections  in  which 
labored  breathing  is  a  prominent  symptom. 

iProgn  os  is.— The  significance  of  the  disease  depends  upon  the  causes  and 
conditions  which  induce  it.  In  itself,  asthma  is  not  an  affection  likely  to 
prove  fatal,  but  it  must  necessarily  shorten  life. 

Treatment.  —During  an  attack  a  prompt  emetic  of  the  sulphate  of  zinc 
twenty  grains,  or  ipecac  thirty  grains,  will  afford  relief.  This  should  be 
followed  with  a  cathartic  of  syrup  buckthorn  and  castor  oil,  of  each  one- 
half  a  tablespoonful.  If  the  violence  of  the  attack  does  not  subside,  the 
animal  should  be  shut  into  a  closed  room,  and  on  a  pan  of  coals,  stramo- 
nium leaves  be  burned,  to  an  ounce  of  which,  a  drachm  of  nitrate  of 
potassa  has  been  added.  This  measure  will  relax  the  spasm,  and  induce 
expectoration.  To  relieve  the  co-existing  bronchitis,  should  next  be 
attempted,  and  the  following  given  — 

R    Potass.  Chloratis  Jij 

Tinct.  Belladonnae  3  iss 

Tinct.  Cinchonas  Comp.   gij 
Aquas  §  ij 

Ft.    Mist.    Sig.  Dose  a  dessertspoonful  four  times  a  clay. 


40  ASTHMA. 

If  the  animal  is  too  fat  and  gross,  exercise  should  be  insisted  upon,  the  diet 
simplified,  and  a  laxative  he  given  daily  unless  the  condition  of  the  Dowels 
contra-indicate.    The  following  pill  will  he  found  efficacious. — 
R    Ext.  Aloes  Aq.  gr.  xv 

Ext.  Colocynth.  Comp.        gr.  xv 
Podophyllin  gr.  iv 

Ext.  Nucis  Yomicre  gr.  iv 

Ft.  Pil.  No  xij.    Sig.  Dose  one  daily. 
in  the  treatment  of  asthma  the  laws  of  hygiene  should  be  observed  in 
kennelling  and  all  exciting  causes  removed. 

A  radical  cure  is  doubtful,  but  much  can  be  done  to  mitigate  the  disease. 
With  a  possible  chance  of  success,  the  iodide  of  potassium  shordd  be  faith- 
fully tried  in  all  cases,  and  persevered  in  for  some  weeks.  It  may  be  given 
in  the  following  mixture. — 

R    Potass.  Iodidi  5  ij 

Spts.  Ammonia?  Arom.       5  i 
Tinct.  Quassias 
Aquas  aa  gij 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful  three  times  daily. 
In  the  purely  spasmodic  form  of  asthma,  the  burning  of  stramonium 
and  saltpetre  will  be  found  especially  efficacious,  and  the  fluid  extract 
of  grindelia  robusta  in  one  half  teaspoonful  doses  may  be  given  every  hour 
until  relief  is  manifested. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS.  41 

&CUTE   LttftYJYGITIS. 

The  larynx  is  the  organ  of  voice,  placed  at  the  upper  part  of  the  air 
passage.  It  performs  a  double  function,  oiie  part  of  which  is  connected 
with  the  voice,  the  other  with  respiration.  It  is  situated  between  the  base 
of  the  tongue  and  the  windpipe  at  the  upper  and  fore  part  of  the  neck. 

The  general  character  of  laryngitis  varies  according  to  the  extent  and 
severity  of  the  inflammation.  The  disease  may  run  a  mild  uncomplicated 
course  or  it  maybe  accompanied  with  an  exudation  of  lymph,  a  condition 
distinguished  as  croup. 

Causation.  —  Faulty  kennel  arrangements  and  consequent  exposure  to 
cold  and  wet.  Extremes  in  temperature  so  often  experienced  by  petted 
house  dogs,  which  are  by  their  habits,  particularly  predisposed  to  inflam- 
mations of  the  air  passages.  Mechanical  irritations  from  prolonged  bark- 
ing and  from  foreign  bodies  not  at  once  removed.  Injuries  to  the  neck, 
such  as  continued  tugging  at  a  chain  may  be  sufficient  to  induce  the  dis- 
ease. Inflammations  of  the  adjacent  parts,  as  is  frequently  the  case  in 
catarrh  of  the  nasal  mucous  membranes,  extend  to  the  throat,  involving 
the  larynx. 

Symptoms.  — A  hoarse,  barking  cough,  excited  by  external  pressure 
over  the  windpipe,  is  one  of  the  diagnostic  characters  of  acute  laryngitis. 
In  the  earlier  stage  the  expectoration  is  scanty  and  of  thick  mucus ,  later 
it  becomes  abundant,  and  is  more  easily  expelled. 

Fever  may  be  more  or  less  intense,  or  it  maybe  wanting.  If  the  swelling 
of  the  membrane  be  not  great,  the  breathing  is  not  notably  increased. 
With  a  greater  amount  of  swelling,  labored   respiration   and  difficult 
breathing  are  added.    Inspiration  and  expiration  are  both  affected  by  the 
obstruction,  but  more  especially  the  former.    It  is  harsh  or  noisy. 

There  is  frequently  more  or  less  difficulty  in  swallowing,  and  a  light,  bub- 
bling discharge  from  the  nose.  In  cases  where  great  obstruction  exists  the 
suffering  is  intense.  The  eyes  are  congested  and  expressive  of  the  great 
distress  the  animal  is  experiencing.  The  suffering  is  at  times  rendered 
more  violent  by  spasm,  and  the  respiratory  acts  are  less  frequent  than 
normal.  With  these  symptoms,  the  disease  ha  a  large  proportion  of  cases 
will  end  fatally,  and  the  mode  of  dying  be  by  suffocation. 

Diagnosis.  —The  diminished  frequency  of  the  respiratory  acts,  and  the 
absence,  on  auscultation  and  percussion,  of  signs  denoting  pulmonary 
disease.  The  peculiar  husky  character  of  the  cough.  The  suffering  in- 
creased spasmodically,  with  intervals  of  comparative  ease.  The  tender- 
ness over  the  larynx,  and  the  reddened  swollen  appearance  of  the  mucous 
membrane  of  the  throat.  The  presence  of  these  symptoms  excludes  all 
other  diseases  which  might  be  confounded,  and  render  a  diagnosis  easy: 


42  ACUTE  LARYNGITIS. 

IProg n os is.—  The  prognosis  depends  essentially  upon  the  severity  of 
symptoms  and  efficiency  and  promptness  of  the  treatment.  When  there 
is  little  or  no  infiltration  of  the  sub-mucous  tissues  as  inferred  by  the  com- 
parative ease  in  breathing,  the  chances  are  favorable.  If  the  obstruction 
aside  from  that  due  to  spasm,  be  sufficient  to  interfere  greatly  with  respi- 
ration, a  fatal  result  may  be  anticipated. 

Treatment \  —The  injurious  influences  of  changes  in  the  air,  should  be 
avoided  by  maintaining  a  uniform  temperature  in  the  room  in  which  the 
animal  is  placed.  A  sponge  should  be  wrung  out  in  hot  water,  and  applied 
to  the  neck,  being  frequently  changed.  Five  grain  doses  of  Dover's  powder 
will  greatly  relieve  the  discomfort,  and  in  the  milder  cases  its  use  is  admis- 
sible. Opiates,  in  the  severer  forms  of  the  disease,  should  be  given 
guardedly,  and  not  carried  so  far  as  to  blunt  the  perception  of  the  want  of 
breath.  A  full  dose  of  castor  oil  should  be  given  early  in  the  affection,  to 
draw  the  blood  to  the  intestines.  Spasms  in  breathing  are  often  relieved 
by  emetics,  and  twenty  grains  of  ipecac  can  be  wisely  given  during  an 
attack.  The  oil  of  copaiba  is  admirable  in  its  action,  and  when  inflamma- 
tion of  the  larynx  first  manifests  itself,  doses  of  fifteen  drops  may  be  given 
from  three  to  six  hours  as  the  severity  of  the  symptoms  indicate.  It  will 
be  well  to  emulsify  it  in  this  way;  add  a  teaspoonful  of  the  oil  to  a  raw 
egg,  and  beat  well  with  a  fork ;  give  one  fourth  of  the  quantity  at  each 
dose.  The  following  mixture  is  also  very  efficacious  in  this  disease. — 
R  Potass.  Chloratis  3  i 
Ammon.  Mur.  5  i 

Syr.  Tolu.  g  i 

Aquae  5  ij 

Ft.  Mist.  Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful  in  mild  cases,  every  two  hours.  In 
very  severe  attacks,  the  same  dose  every  fifteen  minutes. 

If  the  disease  assumes  a  severity  threatening  suffocation,  the  dog  should 
be  made  to  inhale  steam  or  medicated  vapors.  If  the  room  be  too  large 
to  moisten  the  entire  atmosphere,  a  tent  can  be  made  by  placing  a  sheet 
over  two  chairs,  under  that  the  dog  be  placed,  and  a  hot  iron  or  stone  be 
thrown  into  a  pan  of  water.  To  medicate  the  steam  add  a  tablespoonful 
of  the  compound  tincture  of  benzoin  for  every  quart  of  water.  "When 
death  from  suffocation  is  imminent  and  all  other  means  prove  futile, 
tracheotomy  is  the  only  hope  remaining. 

It  is  important  to  remember  that  a  symptom  which  is  considered  highly 
characteristic  of  rabies,  and  one  which  frequently  appears  early  in  the 
disease,  is  the  peculiar  alteration  in  the  tone  of  the  voice.  The  bark  is 
described  as  a  sound  between  a  bark  and  a  howl  uttered  in  a  rough, 
hoarse  tone,  which  might  be  called  croupy,  and  is  attributed  by  some  to  a 
swollen  condition  of  the  pharynx  and  larynx. 


DISEASES   OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS.  43 

Chronic  Laryngitis. 

Chronic  inflammation  of  the  larynx  often  occurs  without  having  been 
preceded  by  the  acute  form  of  the  disease.  It  more  commonly  begins 
either  as  an  acute  catarrh,  which  from  exposure  and  neglect  assumes  a 
chronic  character,  or  in  an  insidious  manner  with  insignificant  symptoms 
at  first,  it  by  degrees  develops  more  marked  disturbances  and  eventually 
reaches  a  severity  even  in  some  cases  affecting  respiration.  Hoarseness 
and  a  dry  husky  cough,  which  manifest  increased  severity  at  times,  are 
among  the  characteristic  symptoms. 

The  expectoration  may  be  slight  or  more  or  less  abundant;  usually  it  is 
whitish  gray,  and  frothy.  The  affection  in  many  cases  occurs  in  connection 
with  consumption,  and  much  the  same  treatment  is  demanded  as  in  that 
disease.  Cod  liver  oil  should  be  given  two  or  three  times  a  day  in  table- 
spoonful  doses,  and  if  no  gain  is  observed  the  compound  syrup  of  hypo- 
phosphites  in  teaspoonful  doses  three  times  daily  should  be  tried.  The 
iodide  of  potassium  in  cases  where  no  pulmonary  disease  exists,  is  an 
agent  of  value  and  may  be  given  in  the  following  mixture.  — 
R    Totassii  Iodidi  5  i j 

Ammon.  Carbonatis  3  ij 
Tinct.  Hyoscyami  §  i 
Aquae  Camphoras         5  iv 

Ft.  Mist.  Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful  three  times  daily  in  a  little  water. 
It  must  be  remembered  that  no  immediate  effect  from  the  iodide  of  po- 
tassium is  ever  experienced  in  any  disease,  its  efficacy  depends  upon  its « 
prolonged  administration.  In  all  inflammations  of  the  mucous  membrane 
where  the  natural  secretion  is  lessened,  no  agent  has  a  more  marked 
effect  than  the  chlorate  of  potassa.  An  ounce  may  be  diluted  in  a  pint  of 
water  and  a  tablespoonful  of  the  mixture  be  given  every  two  hours,  until 
the  cough  loses  its  dry  husky  character  and  becomes  moist. 

External  counter-irritation  to  the  neck  by  means  ot  blisters  and  mercu- 
rial ointments,  is  of  doubtful  eflicacy.  Painting  with  the  tincture  of  iodine 
daily  instead,  will  have  a  happier  effect. 

A  perfect  and  permanent  cure  of  chronic  laryngitis  is  a  rare  occurrence. 
The  prognosis  will  of  course  be  influenced  by  the  associations  or  compli- 
cations with  other  affections. 

Ulceration  within  the  larynx  may  be  anticipated  if  the  disease  is  of  long 
continuance.  As  the  vocal  cords  become  affected  by  the  process,  the 
cough  is  less  audible,  shorter,  more  frequent  and  provoked  by  each  in- 
halation. The  disease  at  this  point  is  utterly  hopeless.  The  constitu- 
tional symptoms  are  now  aggravated,  emaciation  is  rapid,  exhaustion 
and  death  speedily  follow. 


44  DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS. 

&CUTE    C£T£R<RH. 

To  use  the  term  catarrh  alone,  as  indicative  of  an  individual  affection 
seems  unwarrantable,  from  its  intimate  attachments  to  a  whole  family  of 
diseases,  distinctively  classified. 

The  literal  meaning  of  the  word  is  "to  flow  down,"  and  originated  in  the 
idea  the  ancients  had  with  regard  to  that  secretion  especially  which 
escapes  from  the  nose.  It  was  believed  by  them  that  the  secretion  flowed 
down  out  of  the  brain,  and  the  theory  existed  until  Schneider,  Professor 
in  Wittenberg,  published  in  1 6  6  0  his  treatise  "  De  Catarrhis,"  showing  the 
falsity  of  this  supposition.  The  term  catarrh  denoting  inflammation  of  the 
mucous  structure  accompanied  by  an  abundant  secretion  of  mucus ,  has 
been  used  superadded  to  the  name  of  the  organ  or  parts  involved.  As 
the  plan  of  distinguishing  inflammatory  affections  by  the  suffix  "itis"  has 
become  general,  it  is  superfluous  to  use  the  terms  bronchial  catarrh,  intes- 
tinal catarrh  etc .,  when  bronchitis  and  enteritis  express  as  much  and 
identically  the  same  disease. 

Acute  catarrh  or  in  plain  language  "a  cold,"  is  a  frequent  complaint 
among  dogs  and  often  engenders  the  most  serious  diseases. 

Causation.  —Physiologically  the  practice  of  "catching  cold"  is  yet  to 
be  explained.  This  fact  has  been  noted  as  tbe  result  of  experiments,  that 
when  animals  are  subjected  to  a  high  degree  of  heat  and  then  suddenly 
changed  to  the  ordinary  temperature,  the  heat  of  the  body  sinks,  not  to 
the  normal  degree  but  below  it,  the  cause  being  accepted  that  the  blood 
vessels  are  paralyzed  for  a  time  by  the  high  temperature.  It  will  be  seen 
by  this  that  dogs  which  are  in  winter  allowed  to  remain  in  the  house  near 
hot  stoves,  and  then  to  go  out  into  the  cold  air,  show  a  decided  predisposi- 
tion to  the  disease. 

Allowing  a  dog  a  hard  run  and  then  shutting  him  into  a  cold  stable  or 
kennel,  his  body  over-heated  and  perspiring,  it  will  be  appreciated,  is  a 
fruitful  source  of  the  disease.  Damp,  draughty  kennels,  and  exposure  in 
rain  storms,  and  similar  injurious  influences  are  often  immediately  fol- 
lowed by  the  onset  of  the  disease  under  consideration.  The  exertion  of 
these  influences  is  materially  greatest  at  times  when  the  weather  is  cold 
and  moist.  It  is  easy  to  understand  that  when  these  causes  extensively 
exist,  the  disease  must  also  be  prevalent. 

Symptom s.—  Lassitude,  dull  and  heavy  manner,  appetite  lessened, 
shiverings,  dryness  of  the  nose,  and  frequent  sneezing  are  the  earliest 
symptoms  observed.  Redness  and  swelling  of  the  nasal  mucous  mem- 
brane soon  supervene,  and  an  increase  of  the  secretion  begins.  The  eyes 
become  reddened  and  watery,  the  nose  hot.  Fever  is  often  associated  with 
these  symptoms,  and  the  pulse  runs  above  tbe  normal.   In  simple  uncom- 


ACUTE  CATARRH.  45 

plicated  catarrh,  these  are  the  prominent  manifestations.  "When  cough, 
changed  respiration,  and  other  symptoms  appear,  the  affection  has  ex- 
tended, its  identity  is  lost  and  immerged  into  other  diseases. 

Treatment.  —  A  simple  cold  should  never  be  neglected.  Uncomplicated, 
it  is  self -limited  and  naturally  tends  to  recovery.    The  dog  should  be  placed 
in  warm  comfortable  quarters,  and  a  dose  of  castor  oil  or  syrup  of  buck- 
thorn be  given.  If  much  fever  is  observed  obtain  the  following  mixture.  — 
R    Tr.  Aconiti  Rad.  gtt.xij 

Spts.  iEtheris  Nit.        §  ss 
•    Liq.  Amnion.  Acet.     §  iss 
Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Dose  two  teaspoonfuls  every  three  hours  in  water. 
At  night  five  grains  of  Dover's  powder  should  be  administered.    If  the 
nasal  secretion  becomes  thick,  viscid,  and  not  easily  expelled,  the  fluid 
extract  of  hamamelis  diluted  with  four  parts  of  water  may  be  injected 
into  the  nose. 

Milk  and  broths  for  the  first  day  or  two  will  be  all  and  possibly  more 
than  the  dog  will  care  to  eat.  Should  his  appetite  not  return  soon  how- 
ever, scraped  raw  beef  should  be  given  in  small  quantities,  three  or  four 
times  daily  with  two  grains  of  quinine  in  pill  form. 


Nasaz  <Pozy<pus. 

'  Occasionally  mucous  polypi  of  the  nasal  cavity  are  seen  in  dogs.  These 
tumors  retain  the  elements  of  the  mucous  membranes  from  which  they 
arise.  Certain  catarrhal  symptoms  are  associated  with  their  formation, 
but  their  presence  can  rarely  be  positively  determined  until  they  can  be 
plainly  seen.  They  are  soft  jelly  like  masses  which  in  time  fill  up  the 
entire  nasal  passage,  closing  the  opening.  Polypi  arise  and  run  their 
course  without  pain. 

Treatment.  —One  author  says,  "  the  treatment  is  simple,  and  consists 
in  the  removal  of  the  polypus,  by  tying  a  strong  silk  thread  or  piece  of 
fine  silver  wire  round  the  neck.  This  must  be  tightened  daily  for  a  few 
days  till  the  neck  is  cut  through  and  the  tumor  drops  off."  Very  excellent 
advice  and  apparently  a  ready  solution  of  the  whole  matter.  But  let  the 
operation  be  undertaken,  and  the  difficulty  between  theory  and  practice 
will  be  at  once  appreciable. 

The  writer  advises  when  a  polypus  exists,  that  its  removal  be  entrusted 
to  a  physician,  who  will  in  many  cases  need  all  his  skill  and  experience 
in  performing  the  operation. 


46  DISEASES   OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS. 

It  is  stated  by  some  authors  ' '  that  ozsena  is  an  affection  rarely  seen  in 
the  dog."  While  the  severest  forms  of  the  disease  are  certainly  seldom 
met  with,  the  milder  types  it  is  believed  are  more  common. 

Causation. — A  low  state  of  the  system,  impoverished  by  neglect  or 
disease  invites  the  affection.  Under  such  conditions,  the  cause  is  usually 
found  in  successive  attacks  of  catarrh,  and  sometimes  in  distemper. 
Diseases  of  bone,  ulcerations,  foreign  bodies,  and  abnormal  growths,  like 
polypus  within  the  nose  are  commonly  associated  with  ozsena. 

Symptoms .  — The  secretion  in  this  disease  varies  much  in  quantity  and 
appearance.  The  amount  in  some  instances  is  profuse,  in  others  scanty. 
The  discharge  is  of  a  purulent  character  which  decomposes,  and  a  peculiar 
stench  is  produced  giving  rise  to  the  name  of  the  disease.  The  discharge 
has  a  tendency  to  crust  formations  deep  within  the  nose,  as  well  as  about 
the  outer  openings,  which  are  usually  found  coated  with  a  greenish  deposit. 
Constant  sneezing  is  a  marked  symptom  and  the  breathing  through  the 
nose  is  considerably  obstructed. 

Prognosis.  —If  the  disease  is  of  recent  origin  it  can  be  cured  but  the 
gain  will  be  slow.  Much  will  depend  upon  the  general  state  of  the  system 
and  its  reparative  powers. 

Treatment.  —Efforts  must  be  directed  to  restore  the  mucous  membrane 
to  its  normal  condition.    Local  treatment  is  the  first  essential.    The  nose 
should  be  injected  every  day  with  the  following  mixture.— 
R    Acidi  Carbolici  gr.    xx 

Acidi  Tannici  gr.    xx 

Glycerinse  §  i  . 

Aquae  g  iij 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Inject. 

In  some  instances  the  frantic  struggles  of  the  animal  will  render  nasal 
injections  impossible.  In  such  cases  suppositories  must  be  used.  Each 
of  these  should  contain  one  grain  of  iodoformum  incorporated  in  cacao  but- 
ter. The  druggist  consulted  to  prepare  them,can  use  the  common  "  rectal 
molds"  in  their  manufacture.  One  suppository  should  be  introduced 
daily,  into  each  nasal  passage  for  two  days,  then  for  a  day  omitted.  They 
should  be  gently  forced  back,  by  some  round,  smooth  instrument,  as  far 
as  possible  without  causing  pain,  and  there  allowed  to  melt.  For  a  few 
moments  the  dog  may  need  restraint. 

Quinine,  iron,  or  cod  liver  oil  should  be  given  internally  as  the  case 
demands,  and  a  generous  diet  allowed.  The  importance  of  pure  fresh 
air  and  sufficient  exercise  cannot  be  exagerated. 


DISEASES   OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS.  47 

LYFZUEJYZ&. 

Influenza  is  an  epidemic  disease,  which  is  characterized  hy  catarrh  of 
the  respiratory,  and  often  also  of  the  digestive  organs.  Its  attack  is  sudden, 
great  and  rapid  weakness  is  developed,  and  fever  of  greater  or  less  inten- 
sity is  associated.  The  disease  may  occur  among  dogs,  uninfluenced  by 
the  age  of  the  animal  or  the  season  of  the  year. 

Causation .  —  Of  the  exciting  causes  of  influenza  little  is  known.  It  has 
not  been  established  that  there  is  any  connection  with  atmospheric  condi- 
tions. An  essential  difference  is  noted  between  this  and  the  non-epidemic 
catarrh,  since  the  latter  affection  is  traceable  to  "catching  cold,"  and 
follows  exposure.  Influenza  on  the  other  hand,  prevails  when  catarrhal 
affections  are  rare,  and  it  may  appear  in  any  season  of  the  year,  hot  and 
dry,  or  cold  and  damp.  Some  authors  assume  it  to  be  contagious,  others 
refute  the  theory,  and  the  question  has  remained  a  mooted  one. 

In  1872  an  influenza  prevailed  widely  among  horses,  and  in  New  York 
alone  attacked  about  sixteen  thousand;  no  special  causes  for  it  were 
ascertained. 

Symptoms.  —  The  frequent  location  of  the  disease  is  upon  the  mucous 
membrane  of  the  respiratory  organs,  it  being  more  rarely  affected  than 
that  of  the  stomach  and  intestines. 

The  onset  of  the  disease  is  generally  sudden,  marked  by  lassitude  and 
shiverings,  indicative  of  a  chill.  In  severe  cases  fever  soon  manifests 
itself  assuming  a  remittent  type.  The  pulse  varies  in  character  being  full 
and  frequently  irregular.  The  affection  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the 
respiratory  organs  is  indicated  by  symptoms  essentially  of  a  catarrhal 
nature.  Most  frequently  is  observed  at  first  sneezing,  the  eyes  reddened 
and  watery,  the  nasal  membrane  swollen  and  reddened. 

In  some  cases  the  throat  becomes  sore,  and  the  catarrhal  inflammation 
extends  to  the  larynx  and  bronchi,  the  invasion  of  these  parts  being  evinced 
by  hoarseness  and  a  tendency  to  cough.  Not  unfrequently  in  the  very  begin- 
ning, a  cough  sets  in  dry  and  disturbing,  occurring  in  paroxysms  frequently 
inducing  vomiting.  The  expectoration  is  usually  scanty  but  sometimes 
becomes  more  abundant  later  in  the  disease.  "While  the  physical  exami- 
nation of  the  chest  is  negative,  the  breathing  frequently  becomes  hurried 
and  at  times  the  restlessness  of  the  animal  will  indicate  pain,  probably  of 
a  pleuritic  character.  The  digestive  organs  are  very  often  affected.  Loss 
of  appetite,  a  coated  tongue,  thirst,  and  not  infrequently  vomiting  and 
diarrhoea  accompany  the  disease.  At  times  however,  constipation  exists. 

Prostration  is  often  very  marked,  the  animal  is  dull,  heavy,  and  sleepy. 
It  will  be  frequently  noted  that  in  walking  about  he  will  act  stiff  and  lame 
and  sometimes  his  movements  will  appear  painful. 


48  INFLUENZA* 

The  expression  of  the  eyes  is  changed  in  a  marked  degree,  wearing  a 
depressed  anxious  look.  Late  in  the  disease  there  is  a  tendency  to  dropsy 
of  the  lmihs,  and  sometimes  an  effusion  into  the  chest. 

Diagnosis.  —To  distinguish  between  other  affections  resembling  influ- 
enza should  not  be  difficult;  the  existence  of  an  epidemic,  other  dogs 
being  attacked  at  the  same  time;  the  great  prostration  from  the  first;  the 
fever  of  a  remittent  type ;  the  peculiar  cough  and  absence  of  signs  indica- 
tive of  disease  of  the  lungs.  A  consideration  of  these  facts  should  make 
a  differential  and  positive  diagnosis  easy. 

Prognosis.  —  If  uncomplicated, the  disease  commonly  ends  in  recovery. 
In  old  dogs  and  in  very  young  puppies  it  runs  a  more  severe  course.  The 
existence  of  other  diseases,  and  a  weakened  and  impoverished  system 
would  render  a  prognosis  more  unfavorable. 

Treatment.  — The  animal  should  be  placed  in  a  room  of  even  tempera- 
ture and  well  ventilated,  but  free  from  draughts.  In  mild  cases  the 
medicinal  treatment  need  not  be  especially  active.  The  congestion  of  the 
head  can  be  relieved  by  gentle  laxatives,  but  purgatives  are  contra-indica- 
ted. If  the  fever  runs  very  high,  quinine  in  three  grain  doses  should  be 
given  every  four  or  five  hours.  "When  the  temperature  has  become  normal 
the  quinine  may  be  continued  in  two  grain  doses,  twice  or  three  times 
daily  for  a  time.  If  the  laryngeal  inflammation  is  severe,  hot  applications 
should  be  made  to  the  neck,  or  the  same  rubbed  well  with  the  ammonia 
and  camphor  liniments  in  equal  parts,  and  afterwards  swathed  in  cotton 
or  flannel. 

In  extremely  severe  cases  where  the  breathing  becomes  difficult,  the 
animal  may  be  made  to  inhale  steam ;  the  water  from  which  it  is  generated 
should  be  tinctured  with  carbolic  acid,  two  drachms  to  the  pint.  An  admi- 
rable method  of  keeping  the  air  the  animal  breathes  constantly  disinfected, 
is  to  use  some  form  of  lime  and  carbolic  acid  mixed  together. 

An  important  consideration  in  treatment  is  to  guard  against  possible 
failure  of  the  vital  powers,  especially  in  old  dogs  and  others  weakened 
by  diseases.  Quinine  or  iron  should  be  persisted  in,  and  the  following 
mixture  be  given.— 

R    Ammonia?  Mur.  3  ij 

Ext.  Glycyrrhizae  Pulv.       3  ij 
Aquae  §  iij 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful  in  water  every  three  hours. 
The  diet  should  be  easily  digestible  ;  milk,  broths,  and  if  needed,  eggs 
added  to  the  former. 

During  the  convalescent  stage,  the  animal  should  be  judiciously  exer- 
cised in  the  bpeu  air,  but  guarded  against  exposure, 


CHti<PTER  V. 
AFFECTIONS 

OF 

THE   MOUTH   &JY<D    TONGUE. 


The  Eruption  of  the  Teeth. 

The  first  or  milk  teeth  of  a  puppy  "begin  to  appear  soon  after  birth,  and 
within  a  month  the  first  process  of  dentition  is  completed.  The  perma- 
nent about  the  fourth  month,  begin  to  replace  the  temporary  teeth,  and 
are  usually  through  the  gums  before  the  eighth  month.  They  are  forty  two 
in  number  and  the  following  is  the  recognized  formula. — 

Upper  jaw  — Incisors  6  ;  Canines  1  —  1;  Molars  6  —  6=20 


42 


Lower  jaw—         „       6;       ,,  1—1 ;       „       7  —  7  =  5 

Occasionally  supernumerary  teeth  appear  and  are  irregularly  placed. 

It  has  been  supposed  that  \>y  the  teeth  of  the  dog  his  age  could  be  deter- 
mined ;  a  mistake  in  many  instances  as  is  very  evident.  Disease  will  cause 
them  to  decay,  certain  medicines  promote  their  early  destruction,  the  too 
frequent  feeding  of  bones  wear  them  away,  and  a  young  dog  may  have 
poor  teeth,  and  those  of  an  old  one  be  well  preserved. 

It  will  be  observed  by  the  arrangement  of  the  teeth  that  their  purpose  is 
to  bite,  tear,  and  crush.  Nature  makes  no  provision  for  grinding  or  mastica- 
tion. In  this  the  construction  is  identical  with  that  of  all  carnivorous  or 
flesh  eating  animals.  The  food  is  bolted,  and  passes  into  the  stomach 
without  meeting  with  either  a  mechanical  change  from  the  teeth,  or  a 
chemical  influence  from  salivary  secretions  of  the  mouth. 


50  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  MOUTH  AND   TONGUE. 

TREATMENT  OF  THE  TEETH. 

Generally  but  little  trouble  is  experienced  by  puppies  in  sbedding  tbeir 
temporary  teetb.  It  would  be  wise,  bowever,  to  examine  tbeir  mouths 
occasionally,  and  if  any  are  loosened  remove  them,  which  can  easily  be 
done  by  pressing  on  tbe  side  of  the  tooth. 

Fits  are  sometimes  attributable  to  teething.  When  they  occur,  if  the 
gums  seem  swollen,  it  would  be  wise  to  remove  all  doubts  by  lancing. 

If  a  tooth  becomes  decayed  and  evidently  painful,  the  dog  should  not  be 
tortured  by  the  unskilful  use  of  primitive  "  tools, "  but  rather  a  trifling 
expense  be  incurred  and  the  operation  left  to  a  professional  dentist. 

If  the  diet  of  dogs  is  properly  chosen  and  bones  are  judiciously  fed,  tbe 
animals  will  clean  their  own  teetb  and  obviate  the  need  of  their  owner's 
intervention. 

Tartar  is  an  earthy  matter  deposited  on  the  teeth  from  the  saliva.  If 
suffered  to  accumulate,  it  causes  inflammation  and  absorption  of  the  gums 
and  gradual  loosening  of  tbe  teeth.  Wben  any  quantity  has  accumulated 
it  should  be  removed  with  the  blade  of  a  pen  knife,  and  for  a  time  tbe 
teeth  cleaned  daily  with  a  tooth  brush  and  charcoal ;  then  bones  allowed 
once  or  twice  a  week,  tbe  gnawing  of  whicb  will  insure  protection  from 
tbe  deposit. 


Softening  of  the  Gums. 

This  condition  may  be  the  consequence  of  an  accumulation  of  tartar, 
or  of  a  congested  state  of  the  liver  and  bowels. 

The  gums  are  swollen,  spongy  and  tender,  and  bleed  at  the  slightest 
touch.  In  such  cases  the  breath  is  usually  very  offensive,  and  other 
evidences  of  bilious  and  digestive  disturbances  are  apparent. 

Tbe  affection  is  more  commonly  met  with  in  bouse  pets,  over  indulged 
and  deprived  of  sufficient  exercise.  The  dispositions  in  such  cases  become 
materially  changed,  the  animals  growing  obstinate  and  sulky.  A  condi- 
tion absurdedly  attributed  to  tbe  giving  of  meat,  whereas,  it  is  due  to 
confinement  and  an  absence  of  common  sense  in  feeding.  Such  dogs  it 
will  be  observed,  bave  very  little  appetite,  preferring  dainties  and  condi- 
ments rather  than  wholesome  food. 

2'reaiment.  —Dietetic  influences  are  the  first  to  be  observed.  In  a  recent 
publication  one  author  states:  "it  used  to  be  the  custom  of  the  older 
practitioners  to  commence  the  treatment  of  such  cases  by  two  or  three 
days,  starvation.  This  treatment  is  terribly  cruel,  and  any  one  who  should 
prescribe  such  should  be  punished  by  law."  The  writer  believes  the  "  old 
practitioners  "  did  not  go  so  very  far  astray  in  their  treatment.   Two  days" 


AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  MOUTH  AND  TONGUE.  61 

denial  of  food,  in  such  cases,  is  far  from  "  cruel "  but  rather  merciful.  Few- 
indulgent  owners  can  be  convinced  of  this  however,  and  the  extreme  must 
be  modified. 

The  treatment  may  be  wisely  commenced  with  a  dose  of  castor  oil  or 
syrup  of  buckthorn  or  both.  No  more  than  two  meals  daily  at  the  utmost 
should  be  allowed,  and  at  each  a  little  milk  be  given  at  first.  This  may  be 
followed  bjr  broths,  and  raw  meat  occasionally. 

Exercise  must  be  strictly  enforced,  the  animal  being  walked  a  mile  in 
the  beginning,  then  two  miles  a  day,  later  run  behind  a  carriage.  As  he 
becomes  stronger  and  more  active  the  diet  may  be  more  generous,  meat 
in  some  form  entering  largely  into  it. 

The  teeth  should  be  looked  to,  tartar  removed,  and  the  gums  rubbed 
with  a  little  tincture  of  myrrh.  Patience  and  common  sense  are  certain  to 
overcome  the  affection  unless  the  dog  be  too  old. 


CajvcftUM  Oftis. 

.  Canker  of  the  mouth  is  an  individual  affection  induced  directly  by  a 
decayed  tooth,  or  a  diseased  state  of  the  jaw  bone. 

Symptoms .  — Attention  is  usually  first  attracted  by  a  swelling  on  the  jaw 
over  or  beneath  the  part  diseased.  This  swelling  finally  bursts,  discharging 
matter  and  blood  of  a  very  offensive  odor.  The  parts  affected  are  very 
painful,  and  usually  much  difficulty  will  be  experienced  before  a  thorough 
examination  is  made. 

After  the  abscess  has  burst,  a  fistulous  opening  remains  that  will  never 
permanently  close  until  the  diseased  bone  or  tooth  is  removed.  A  dis- 
charge wrill  persist  having  the  same  offensive  character.  Eventually,  a 
fetid  ulcer  forms  on  the  gums  and  cheek  of  a  gangrenous  character,  bleed- 
ing easily  at  the  slightest  touch.  The  pain  and  difficulty  in  eating  tend  to 
exhaust  the  animal  which  becomes  weakened  and  emaciated. 

Treatment .  —  Whatever  the  cause  it  must  first  be  removed.  If  a  decayed 
tooth  and  it  is  extracted,  the  trouble  will  probably  disappear.  If  the  bone 
of  the  jaw  be  diseased,  then  the  dog  should  be  etherized,  the  gum  laid  open 
and  the  affected  portion  removed.  The  bleeding  growths  and  ulcerations 
may  then  be  well  burned  with  the  nitrate  of  silver  and  afterwards  be 
treated  with  the  tincture  of  myrrh.  The  general  health  must  not  be  over- 
looked. The  diet  should  be  generous;  milk,  broths,  raw  eggs,  meat,  and 
if  need  be,  tonics  must  be  administered;  cod  liver  oil  in  tablespoonful 
doses,  is  advised  if  the  animal  is  emaciated.  If  digestive  disorders  are 
present,  the  elixir  of  bark,  pepsin  and  bismuth,  one  teaspoonful  three 
times  daily,  is  indicated.  If  glandular  enlargement  under  the  jaw  remains, 
the  syrup  of  the  iodide  of  iron  is  an  appropriate  remedy. 


62  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  MOUTH  AND  TONGUE. 

Salivation. 

Salivation  or  an  increased  flow  of  saliva,  may  be  caused  by  a  too  liberal 
use  of  mercury,  by  a  sudden  cbeck  to  tbe  cutaneous  secretion,  by  cold  and 
damp,  or  by  any  influence  that  suddenly  lowers  the  system.  The  disease 
may  also  arise  from  decayed  teeth.  It  is  commonly  associated  with  can- 
crum  oris  and  may  be  induced  by  some  irritation  of  the  salivary  glands 
alone.  Probably  the  more  common  cause  of  salivation  is  the  improper 
use  of  mercury,  either  taken  internally  or  used  too  freely  externally.  In 
prescribing  the  drug  to  dogs,  it  must  be  remembered  that  natures  vary- 
Some  are  far  more  easily  affected  by  its  action  than  others,  and  a  suscep- 
tibility of  salivation  and  tendency  to  certain  diseases  often  go  together. 

Symptoms .  —Swelling  and  inflammation  of  the  salivary  glands,  tongue 
and  throat,  with  a  flow  of  peculiarly  fetid  saliva.  Shallow  ulcerations  of 
the  surface  of  the  gums  and  of  the  inside  of  the  cheeks.  The  gums  are 
red,  swollen  and  spongy.  The  teeth  loosened  and  discolored.  In  the 
severest  cases,  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  stomach  and  intestines  takes 
on  much  the  same  ulcerative  action  observed  in  the  mouth. 

The  failure  of  strength  and  loss  of  flesh  depend  upon  the  exciting  agency 
of  the  affection  as  well  as  the  severity  of  the  symptoms. 

Treatment.  —Decayed  teeth  should  be  extracted;  the  bowels  kept  open 
and  a  generous  diet  be  allowed.  For  a  local  application  the  tincture  of 
myrrh,  a  saturated  solution  of  chlorate  of  potassa,  or  brandy  and  water 
is  sufficient. 

If  the  cause  of  the  salivation  is  mercury,  the  iodide  of  potassium  in  three 
grain  doses,  three  times  daily,  should  be  administered.  If  no  cause  for  the 
affection  other  than  debility  is  apparent,  tonics  of  iron,  quinine,  or  cod 
liver  oil  should  be  persisted  in,  with  the  local  applications. 


<8l&IJV. 

Blain,  manifested  by  an  eruption  of  blisters  on  the  tongue,  is  compara- 
tively rare  among  dogs. 

The  cause  is  generally  attributable  to  improper  feeding,  neglect,  and 
exposure,  and  other  influences  impoverishing  and  debilitating  the  general 
system. 

Symptoms.—  The  blisters  occur  on  the  sides  and  the  under  surface  of 
the  tongue,  continue  as  such  for  a  short  time,  then  burst,  leaving  ulcers  to 
occupy  their  place.  These  ulcerations  throw  off  a  purulent,  bloody  dis- 
charge having  a  peculiar  fetid  odor.  Some  degree  of  salivation  is 
associated,  and  the  tongue  is  swollen  and  inflamed.  Often  the  tissues 
forming  the  floor  of  the  mouth  are  involved  in  the  inflammation,  and 


AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  MOUTH  AND  TONGUE.  53 

abscesses  result.    In  many  cases  the  glands  of  the  neck  become  enlarged 
and  painful. 

Treatment.  —Chlorate  potassa  is  a  remedy  of  the  greatest  efficacy  in 
this  disease.  As  debility,  if  not  the  cause,  will  very  likely  result  as  a 
complication,  the  early  administration  of  tonics  is  advised.  Chlorate 
potassa  and  iron  are  combined  as  follows. — 

R    Potass.  Chloratis  5*j 

Tinct.  Ferri  Chloridi         3i 
Syr.  Aurantii  %i 

Aquae  5  iij 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful  every  one  or  two  hours. 
Equal  parts  of  the  flowers  of  sulphur  and  white  sugar  should  be  mixed  in 
fine  powder,  and  after  sponging  out  the  mouth,  this  powder  should  be  dusted 
over  the  ulcerations  three  or  four  times  a  day.    Abscesses  if  occurring 
should  be  lanced  when  ready. 
Nourishing  and  concentrated  food  of  a  liquid  character  is  demanded. 


IJYFZtiMMtiTZOJY  OF  THE  TONGUE. 

This  affection  is  known  by  great  swelling  of  the  tongue,  tenderness  and 
difficulty  in  swallowing.  It  generally  accompanies  severe  salivation,  but 
it  may  occur  in  an  acute  form  independent  of  this  cause. 

In  convulsions  the  tongue  is  often  bitten  and  severe  inflammation  follows. 
The  disease  may  run  a  rapid  course  and  abate  without  the  formation  of 
"matter;"  on  the  other  hand,  abscesses  may  form  under  the  tongue,  suffi- 
cient in  size  to  threaten  suffocation. 

Treatment .  —  The  bowels  should  be  freely  acted  upon  by  aperient  med- 
icine. Applications  of  ice  or  ice  water  made  continually  for  hours  promise 
relief.  Chlorate  of  potassa  or  borax  should  be  added  to  the  water  making 
a  strong  solution.  If  suffocation  is  threatened,  a  surgeon  should  be  called 
to  make  an  incision  in  the  seam  running  along  the  middle  of  the  tongue 
on  the  under  surface. 

In  event  abscesses1  form,  they  should  be  opened  when  the  proper  stage 
is  reached.  A  skilled  hand  alone  should  undertake  the  operation,  or  severe 
hemorrhage  may  result. 

The  food  must  necessarily  be  liquid  and  concentrated.  A  cup  of  milk 
into  which  has  been  beaten  a  raw  egg  may  be  given  every  three  or  four 
hours  as  the  need  of  support  is  apparent. 

In  exceptional  cases  the  amount  of  swelling  will  be  sufficient  to  prevent 
swallowing;  rectal  feeding  must  then  be  depended  upon.  Injections  of  beef 
tea  and  extracts,  milk,  eggs,  etc.,  should  be  administered. 


64  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  MOUTH  AND  TONGUE. 

(pHtift  YNGITIS. 

The  pharynx,  a  part  of  the  canal  through  which  the  food  passes,  is  placed 
behind  the  mouth,  nose,  and  larynx. 

Inflammation  of  the  pharynx,  or  pharyngitis,  is  an  affection  very  rarely 
occurring  alone,  hut  is  usually  associated  with  some  other  disease.  When 
it  does  appear  as  an  individual  affection  it  is  commonly  caused  by  the 
lodgement  of  foreign  bodies,  such  as  sharp  pieces  of  bone.  When  any 
substance  becomes  fixed  in  the  pharynx,  about  the  larynx,  or  in  the  top  of 
the  passage  into  the  stomach,  it  may  produce  a  sense  of  choking  and  fits 
of  suffocative  coughing,  or  symptoms  less  severe.  A  peculiar  throat  cough 
with  frequent  hawking  is  often  the  prominent  manifestation  at  first. 

Later  on  in  the  affection,  the  mucous  membrane  may  become  swollen, 
congested,  and  swallowing  difficult,  the  throat  being  sensitive  to  external 
pressure,  and  coughing  excited  by  it  as  in  laryngitis. 

Sometimes,  but  very  rarely,  abscesses  will  form  in  the  back  part  of  the 
pharynx.  Their  presence  may  be  suspected  if  pharyngitis  has  existed  for 
several  days,  and  the  animal  carries  his  head  extended,  fixed  and  immova- 
ble on  his  neck. 

Treatment.  —Foreign  bodies  should  be  sought  by  exploring  the  throat 
with  the  finger.    If  removed  at  once  no  further  treatment  is  necessary. 

If  repeated  efforts  fail  to  dislodge  the  substance,  an  emetic  of  ipecac  or 
sulphate  of  zinc,  dose  of  either  fifteen  grains,  should  be  given  to  induce 
vomiting.  The  treatment  of  the  pharyngeal  inflammation  should  be  the 
same  as  recommended  in  acute  laryngitis. 


CHti<PTER  VI. 
DISEASES    EFFECTING 

THE 

DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM. 


Indigestion. 

A  large  proportion  of  the  disturbances  of  the  stomach  and  intestines 
relates  to  digestion.  In  every  attack  of  indigestion  the  processes  involved 
in  the  changes  which  the  food  undergoes  before  absorption,  are  not  only- 
retarded,  but  also  accompanied  by  numerous  local  and  general  difficulties. 
Indigestion,  or  as  termed  by  some  authors  dyspepsia,  was  formerly  sup- 
posed to  be  a  purely  functional  affection,  existing  without  any  morbid 
changes  ha  the  gastric  mucous  membrane.  This  theory  is  not  generally 
accepted  at  the  present  time. 

The  name  indigestion  as  herein  used  does  not  apply  to  disorders  inci- 
dent to  fevers,  inflammatory  affections,  or  structural  diseases  of  the 
digestive  organs. 

Causation .  —The  influences  which  induce  this  disease  may  act  directly 
or  indirectly.  Food  if  irregularly  given  in  excess  or  of  an  unwholesome 
quality,  too  long  fasts,  and  weakness  of  the  digestive  organs  following 
inflammations  are  among  the  direct  causes. 

The  indirect  agencies  involved  are  far  more  numerous.  Want  of  suffi- 
cient exei'cise,  over  exertion,  poverty  of  the  blood,  and  disarrangements 
of  the  system  are  among  the  more  prominent  causes. 

Symptoms.  — Probably  the  most  constant  sign  of  indigestion  is  impair- 
ment of  the  appetite,  which  is  at  least  capricious  if  not  entirely  absent. 

The  food  taken  into  the  stomach  digests  very  slowly,  and  gases  are 
generated,  producing  distension  or  bloating.  Vomiting  occurs;  masses  of 
mucus  and  food  are  rejected  in  a  more  or  less  altered  condition. 

The  matters  vomited  are  occasionally  mixed  with  bile,  which  is  an  unfav- 
orable complication,  as  its  presence  in  the  stomach  additionally  disturbs 
digestion.  The  appearance  of  streaks  of  blood  at  times  has  no  significance 


66  DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM. 

whatever.  In  an  attack  of  indigestion,  changes  occur  in  the  digestive 
tract  hoth  ahove  and  below  the  stomach.  The  former  are  shown  by  thirst, 
a  coated  tongue,  hot  nose,  increased  salivary  secretion,  and  a  foul  breath. 
Below  the  stomach,  associated  disorders  are  manifested  by  constipation  or 
diarrhoea,  abdominal  distension,  and  colic. 

The  animal  is  often  dull,  listless,  and  depressed  in  his  manner,  and  in 
severe  cases  fever  in  a  certain  degree,  is  present. 

Treatment.  —In  some  attacks  of  indigestion  a  regulated  diet  suffices  to 
control  the  disturbance.  When  the  disease  is  of  a  more  severe  nature,  the 
stomach  must  be  favored  as  much  as  possible,  and  only  the  simplest  and 
most  easily  digested  articles  of  food  given. 

In  commencing  treatment  it  is  desirable  to  remove  any  portions  of  food 
retained  in  the  stomach  and  fermented,  the  presence  of  which  keeps  up 
the  irritation  of  the  gastric  mucous  membrane.  This  can  be  done  by 
emetics  or  laxatives.  If  persistent  vomiting  has  existed,  naturally  emetics 
are  contra-indicated ;  the  same  with  laxatives  if  diarrhoea  is  present,  unless 
the  discharges  are  very  offensive  in  character,  in  which  instance  a  cathar- 
tic need  not  be  withheld,  but  would  rather  be  indicated  to  remove  the 
exciting  cause  evidently  still  acting.  The  wine  of  ipecac  is  recommended 
as  an  emetic,  two  teaspoonfuls  of  which  should  be  given  as  the  first  dose, 
followed  by  one  teaspoonful  every  ten  minutes  imtil  vomiting  occurs. 

From  its  peculiar  action  in  neutralizing  the  abnormal  quantity  of  acid  in 
the  stomach,  calcined  magnesia  is  the  better  laxative  to  employ,  and  one 
teaspoonful  should  be  given  in  milk. 

After  the  stomach  has  been  emptied  of  its  irritating  contents,  the  great- 
est care  should  be  exercised  in  feeding,  and  only  the  simplest  and  most 
easily  digested  articles  of  food  chosen.  In  the  severest  cases,  nourishment 
should  be  given  every  two  or  three  hours.  No  better  diet  can  be  advised 
than  scraped  raw  beef,  raw  eggs,  and  a  little  gelatine  mixed  together,  and 
given  in  tablespoonful  quantites.  As  the  stomach  grows  stronger  the  diet 
may  be  varied  by  giving  milk  and  lime  water,  bread  and  milk,  beef  tea, 
meat  stews  well  cooked,  flavored  with  a  little  onion  and  thickened  with 
rice,  com,  or  oatmeal,  the  animal  allowed  to  eat  of  the  meat  chopped  fine. 
It  must  be  remembered  that  the  liability  to  vomit  is  increased  in  propor- 
tion to  the  amount  of  food  taken  into  the  stomach. 

In  the  use  of  medicines  in  indigestion,  the  peculiarities  of  the  animal 
must  be  understood,  and  experimental  treatment  as  in  feeding  may  be 
necessary. 

The  writer  submits  a  variety  of  drugs  and  combinations  applicable  to  the 
different  indications  and  phases  of  the  disease ;  if  the  use  of  one  proves 
unsuccessful  another  should  be  substituted. 

In  cases  of  vomiting,  from  five  to  ten  grains  of  the  subnitrate  of  bismuth 


JNDIGESTIOX.  57 

should  be  placed  on  the  tongue,  and  washed  down  with  a  tablespoonful  of 
milk  before  nourishment  is  taken. 

With  the  food  should  be  mingled  either  of  the  following  agents  —  French 
p  epsin  three  to  five  grains,  the  saccharated  pepsin  five  grains,  one  peptonic 
pill,  or  five  grains  of  lactopeptine.  When  pure  pepsin  can  be  secured  it  is 
undoubtedly  the  most  admirable  agent  which  can  be  used  to  assist  digestion. 
It  must  be  remembered  however,  that  during  the  past  few  years  the 
quality  has  sadly  degenerated,  and  rarely  can  a  reliable  preparation  be 
obtained.  The  saccharated  is  many  times  inert,  and  even  the  French  pepsin 
the  most  expensive  form,  will  often  be  found  inactive.  The  pill  peptonic 
and  lactopeptine  are  more  recent  preparations,  and  will  probably  for  a 
time  at  least  prove  reliable. 

As  the  disease  is  in  a  measure  controlled,  and  the  need  of  such  frequent 
feeding  and  dosing  is  no  longer  manifested,  the  number  of  meals  can  be 
lessened  to  three,  continued  for  a  time,  and  then  restricted  to  two.  The 
tonics  which  may  be  advantageously  used  are  many;  among  them  the 
elixir  bark  pepsin  and  bismuth,  the  elixir  calisaya  iron  and  bismuth,  of 
either  a  teaspoonful  before  eating.  The  chlorate  potassa  is  sometimes 
efficaciously  employed  and  combined  as  follows.— 

R    Elixir  Calisayae  Ferri  et  Bismuth.      gij 
Potass.  Chloratis  3ij 

Aquae  ad.  £iv 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful  before  eating. 
Strychnine  is  a  useful  agent  and  may  be  given  with  pepsin  and  bismuth 
as  follows. — 

R    Pepsini  Sacch.  3iss 

Bismuth.  Subnitratis      3iss 
Strychniee  gr.  ss 

Ft.  Pil.  No.  xxx.    Sig.  Dose  one,  three  times  daily  before  eating. 
Where  constipation  exists  with  gaseous  distension,  the  following  is  a 
useful  preparation.— 

R    Sodse  Bicarb. 
Pulv.  Rhei 
Sacch.  Pepsini 
Pulv.  Zingiberis 
Bismuth.  Subnitratis 
Pulv.  Cubebae  aa  3  iij 

Ft.  Pulv.  Sig.  Dose  from  one  third  to  one  half  a  teaspoonful  after  eating, 
in  milk. 

At  times  in  cases  of  indigestion,  it  will  be  observed  that  the  discharges 
from  the  bowels  are  clay-colored,  an  evidence  of  liver  derangements  or 


68  INDIGESTION. 

closure  of  the  passage  from  the  gall-bladder  to  the  intestines.  No  especial 
medication  for  this  condition  is  demanded  unless  constipation  co-exists,  in 
-which  case  it  will  be  well  to  employ  atonic,  with  which  a  laxative  having 
a  direct  action  on  the  liver  is  combined,  as  in  the  following.  — 
R    Quinias  Bisulph.  3ss 

Ferri  Sulph.  Exsic.         3  ss 
Acid  Arseniosi  gr.ss 

Ext.  Taraxaci  3  i 

Ft.  Pil.  No.  xxx.    Sig.  Dose  one,  two  or  three  times  daily  before  feeding. 
The  diarrhoea  which  sometimes  accompanies  indigestion  calls  for  no 
especial  treatment,  unless  evident  pain  attends  the  discharges,  in  which 
case  a  teaspoonful  of  paregoric  given  occasionally  as  demanded,  will 
prove  sufficient. 

Recovery  from  severe  cases  of  indigestion  may  be  slow  and  tedious,  but 
the  result  of  patience  and  judicious  treatment  in  the  end,  well  repays  the 
effort  and  waiting. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM.  69 

&CVTE  GASTRITIS. 

It  should  be  understood  that  the  term  acute  gastritis  is  used  to  denote 
an  inflammation  of  the  stomach,  of  such  intensity  as  to  greatly  endanger 
life;  a  disease  fortunately  of  very  rare  occurrence.  It  is  very  doubtful  if 
this  affection  ever  originates  from  the  internal  and  unappreciable  causes 
which  give  rise  to  the  so-called  spontaneous  inflammations  in  other  situa- 
tions. The  cause  of  the  disease  may  not  in  every  instance  be  obvious;  it 
can  however,  with  almost  certainty  be  considered  traumatically  produced 
by  the  action  of  caustic  or  irritant  poisons. 

Symptoms.— Pain  and  vomiting  are  prominent  symptoms  in  acute 
gastritis,  the  stomach  being  often  intolerant  of  water  or  the  blandest 
liquids.  The  matter  vomited  is  a  watery  mucus  of  a  greenish  color,  not 
unfrequently  mixed  with  blood  dark  and  clotted  in  appearance.  The  acts 
of  vomiting  are  evidently  painful.  The  desire  for  cold  drinks  is  excessive, 
notwithstanding  the  distressing  acts  of  vomiting  it  provokes.  Pressure 
over  the  stomach  reveals  tenderness. 

The  position  assumed  by  the  animal  is  characteristic ;  it  stretches  itself 
out  on  its  belly;  the  pulse  is  up  and  fever  is  more  or  less  intense;  the 
expression  is  anxious  and  haggard ;  the  bowels  might  be  constipated  but 
are  more  commonly  relaxed  and  diarrhoea  is  present.  The  nose  is  dry, 
and  if  the  inflammation  is  severe  the  respiration  is  hurried. 

If  death  does  not  speedily  occur  and  the  disease  runs  on  to  a  fatal  ter- 
mination, dark  clotted  blood  will  be  vomited.  Everything  taken  into  the 
stomach  will  be  expelled  almost  without  effort.  Prostration  becomes 
evident;  the  pulse  grows  rapid  and  thready;  the  limbs  become  cold,  and 
the  skin  clammy.  Convulsions  sometimes  occur  and  finally  the  poor  vic- 
tim dies  from  exhaustion.    The  end  is  usually  very  rapid  in  fatal  cases. 

Diagnosis .  —There  is  little  danger  of  acute  gastritis  being  mistaken  for 
any  other  affection.  With  a  view  to  appropriate  treatment,  it  is  important 
to  determine  from  the  symptoms  whether  or  not  the  attack  is  positively 
attributable  to  poison.  If  the  animal  is  taken  suddenly  ill  and  his  previous 
movements  and  whereabouts  can  be  learned,  it  will  be  of  some  assistance. 
The  mouth  and  throat  should  show  some  trace  of  the  poison  if  of  a  corro- 
sive character,  of  which  an  early  vomiting  of  blood  in  quantities  is 
markedly  indicative. 

Prognosis .  —  Acute  gastritis  is  undoubtedly  a  disease  of  great  gravity. 
It  may  prove  fatal  within  a  few  hours,  the  animal  dying  from  shock,  or  the 
end  may  come  slowly,  the  result  of  exhaustion.  The  amount  of  local  injury 
will  in  a  great  degree  measure  the  danger. 

Irealmeni.  —It  is  to  be  inferred  that  in  cases  of  poisoning,  the  proper 
antidotes  have  been  administered ,   and  the   contents  of  the  stomach 


60  ACUTE  GASTRITIS. 

evacuated.  The  next  step  is  to  secure  as  much  as  possible  rest  for  the 
inflamed  organ.  For  this  purpose  morphine  is  to  he  relied  upon,  one 
grain  of  which  should  be  divided  into  twelve  powders.  One  of  these  may- 
be dropped  on  the  tongue  and  washed  down  with  a  teaspoonful  of  milk, 
every  two  or  three  hours  at  least;  oftener  if  the  pain  seems  severe  and  not 
inclined  to  subside. 

If  the  vomiting  is  persistent  and  the  morphine  given  in  this  manner  evi- 
dently has  little  or  no  effect,  it  should  be  administered  subcutaneously. 
When  this  method  cannot  be  employed  for  want  of  a  proper  instrument, 
an  anal  injection  should  be  resorted  to,  using  a  glass  syringe,  and  throw- 
ing into  the  bowel  two  morphine  powders  or  thirty  di'ops  of  laudanum  in  a 
little  milk.  Pressure  must  be  maintained  at  the  anus  for  some  time  lest 
the  injection  be  returned.  This  treatment  can  be  repeated  every  two 
hours  if  the  indications  warrant. 

If  the  symptoms  denote  a  tendency  to  exhaustion,  supportive  measures 
must  be  employed.  The  attempt  should  first  be  made  to  feed  by  the  mouth 
with  small  quantities  of  beef  tea,  raw  eggs,  and  gelatine  mixed.  Milk  with 
the  addition  of  lime  water,  arrow  root,  and  flaxseed  tea  are  sometimes 
well  borne. 

It  must  be  remembered  that  all  food  should  be  iced  and  given  in  quan- 
tities of  not  over  a  tablespoonful,  less  if  not  well  retained,  and  repeated 
every  ten  or  twenty  minutes  if  necessary.  If  this  treatment  does  not  sus- 
tain the  animal,  then  eggs,  beef  extracts,  etc.,  with  brandy  should  be  added 
to  the  injection  of  laudanum. 

After  the  inflammation  has  disappeared,  the  stomach  will  be  left  in  a 
very  debilitated  condition,  and  remedies  of  a  tonic  character  be  indicated. 
The  elixir  calisaya  iron  and  bismuth,  in  teaspoonful  doses  three  or  four 
times  daily  is  advised. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM.  61 

Chronic  Gastritis. 

Chronic  inflammation  of  the  stomach  is  not  an  unfrequent  disease 
among  dogs.  It  is  due  to  a  congestion,  and  a  low  type  of  inflammation  of 
the  mucous  membrane,  and  is  usually  combined  with  disorders  of  other 
organs,  more  especially  the  liver. 

Causation.  —Chronic  gastritis  may  follow  the  acute  disease.  It  may 
also  proceed  from  excesses  in  eating,  or  long  fasting. 

Andral  found  the  stomach  inflamed  with  ulcerations  in  dogs,  destroyed 
by  starvation. 

Symptoms .  —The  symptoms  of  indigestion  are  present  in  this  disease. 
Tenderness  over  the  region  of  the  stomach  very  often  exists.  Thirst  is 
constant  and  vomiting  distressing.    Pain  in  many  cases  is  prominent. 

Diagnosis.  —To  distinguish  between  indigestion  and  the  disease  under 
consideration  is  not  always  easy.  In  the  former  the  appetite  is  less  im- 
paired, the  weight  and  nutrition  better  sustained,  vomiting,  fever,  thirst, 
and  pain  are  less  prominent  symptoms  than  in  the  latter  disease. 

^Prognosis.—  Recovery  is  often  slow  and  tedious.  Patience,  careful 
nursing,  and  judicious  feeding  will  aid  much  the  action  of  medicine  and 
promote  the  chances  of  recovery. 

Treatment.  —Much  the  same  treatment  should  be  employed  as  in  indi- 
gestion, especially  in  the  matter  of  diet.  Purgatives  are  to  be  avoided.  If 
the  bowels  become  constipated  an  injection  of  soap-suds  will  be  suflicient. 
External  applications  are  indicated,  and  small  fly-blisters  will  be  found 
efficacious.  Internally  the  most  valuable  remedy  is  nitrate  of  silver,  and 
may  be  combined  with  opium  as  follows.  — 

R    Argenti  Nitratis  gr.  iv 

Pulveris  Opii  gr.  vi 

Ft.  Pil.  No.  xxiv.    Sig.  Dose  one  three  times  daily. 
Bismuth  is  a  most  admirable  agent  in  this  disease,  and  may  be  added  to 
the  nitrate  of  silver  as  in  the  following.  — 

R    Extract.  Hyoscyami      gr.  xv 
Argenti  Nitratis  gr.  iv 

Bismuth.  Subnitratis  3i 
Ft.  Pil.  No.  xxiv.  Sig.  Dose  one  three  times  daily. 
Ulceration  of  the  stomach  may  occur  independently  of  acute  inflamma- 
tion of  that  organ.  When  it  exists,  some  symptoms  in  common  with 
chronic  gastritis  are  present.  In  gastric  ulcer,  while  hemorrhage  may 
never  appear,  it  is  often  a  manifestation  of  that  affection,  and  without  it 
an  assured  diagnosis  is  impossible.  Its  cause  is  problematical;  such  a 
wound  as  a  sharp  bone  produces  might  terminate  in  an  ulcer. 


62  DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM. 

Vomiting. 

As  it  is  a  dog's  license  to  vomit  easily  and  almost  at  will,  an  attack  may 
mean  much,  and  it  may  be  of  the  least  importance.  Often  a  hearty  meal 
will  be  bolted  to  be  immediately  expelled,  and  again  more  leisurely  eaten, 
a  mere  case  of  overloading  the  stomach. 

Vomiting  is  frequently  associated  with  pulmonary  disorders,  caused  by 
thick  mucus  lodging  in  the  throat.  It  is  a  very  common  symptom  in  dis- 
eases of  the  stomach  and  intestines,  oftener  the  former. 

Matter  vomited  may  be  undigested  food  or  mucus  alone,  the  latter  a 
more  urgent  symptom.  Blood  may  be  vomited  if  there  is  much  straining, 
and  is  unimportant  if  the  quantity  is  small.  When  it  is  fresh,  bright  red  in 
color,  and  ejected  in  quantity,  the  cause  may  be  a  sharp  bone  lodged  in 
the  passage  to  the  stomach,  and  the  lining  membrane  lacerated. 

Gastric  ulcer  may  be  suspected  when  a  severe  hemorrhage  occurs,  and 
it  is  more  probable  if  a  previous  attack  has  been  experienced.  If  a  dog 
vomits  often  within  a  short  time,  bile  will  frequently  appear  mingled  with 
the  matter  raised ;  its  presence  then  is  purely  mechanical,  the  continued 
retching  drawing  it  up  into  the  stomach,  instead  of  permitting  it  to  flow 
down  the  intestines.  Vomiting  is  symptomatic  of  a  variety  of  affections 
exclusive  of  inflammation  or  structural  diseases  of  the  stomach. 

Treatment .  —The  cause  should  be  studied  and  if  possible  removed.  If 
occasioned  by  indigestion,  worms  etc.,  appropriate  remedies  are  directed 
in  the  treatment  of  those  diseases.  In  functional  disturbances  of  the  stom- 
ach, vomiting  may  be  considered  as  an  individual  affection  and  as  such 
demands  especial  recognition.  The  following  mixture  is  of  value. — 
R    Bismuth.  Subnitratis  5iij 

Acidi  Hydrocyanici  dil.        3  i 
Aquae  5  v 

Ft.  Mist.  Sig.  Shake  well.  Dose  one  teaspoonful  three  or  four  times  daily. 
Carbolic  acid  is  valuable  as  a  remedy  and  can  be  given  as  follows. — 
R    Acidi  Carbolici  gr.  vi 

Glycerinse  3ij 

Spts.  Lavand.  Comp.  3i 

Mucil.  Acaciae  giss 

Ft.  Mist.  Sig.  Shake  well.  One  teaspoonful  every  two  hours  while  vomiting. 
At  times  the  use  of  opiates  are  demanded,  given  as  follows.— 
R    Morphias  Sulphatis  gr.  i 

Cerii  Oxalati  gr.  xx 

Sacch.  Albse  3ss 

Ft.  Chart.  No.  xij.  Sig.  One  in  a  little  milk  three  or  four  times  daily. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM.  63 

Colic. 

Colic  is  a  pain  that  originates  in  the  walls  of  the  intestines.  It  is  prop- 
erly but  a  symptom  of  the  many  abdominal  diseases;  its  importance  and 
frequent  appearance  among  dogs  however  warrants  its  classification  as  a 
distinct  disease.  Among  animals  an  attack  of  colic  has  especial  signifi- 
cance from  the  fact  that  inflammation  is  prone  to  speedily  follow  it. 

Puppies  are  especially  liable  to  the  affection  near  the  period  of  weaning, 
and  petted  house  dogs  and  pampered  pets  seem  oftener  attacked. 

Causation .  —  The  influences  which  give  rise  to  the  affection  are  many. 
Among  them  indigestion,  gaseous  distention,  constipation,  worms,  the 
passage  of  calculi,  and  intestinal  obstruction  or  stoppage.  Colic  pains 
occur  with  diarrhoea  that  has  originated  in  consequence  of  irritating  sub- 
stances being  taken  into  the  stomach.  Cold  and  exposure  may  induce  the 
affection.  The  introduction  of  lead  into  the  system  in  poisonous  amounts 
will  also  develop  a  special  form  of  the  disease. 

Symptoms. — Restlessness  and  occasional  moanings,  or  sharp  cries  of 
pain  are  the  first  to  attract  attention.  It  will  then  be  observed  that  the 
back  of  the  animal  is  arched,  the  abdomen  hard,  and  the  walls  retracted. 
Firm  pressure  will  often  cause  shrinking  and  evident  pain. 

The  sufferer  lies  down  only  to  be  up  and  walking  about  again,  vainly 
seeking  relief  by  constant  change  of  position.  The  manner  plainly  indi- 
cates the  suffering;  the  expression  is  piteous  and  appealing.  If  the  attack 
is  severe  moaning  is  constant,  varied  only  by  sharp,  ear-piercing  cries. 

The  animal  if  a  petted  house-dog,  will  seek  his  master  or  mistress  as 
though  begging  for  relief;  unless  it  comes  quickly  his  manner  changes, 
he  seems  to  shun  all  interference  and  endeavors  to  conceal  himself  in 
retired  and  unfrequented  places. 

At  first  no  constitutional  symptoms  are  associated ;  the  pulse,  nose,  and 
skin  remain  normal.  If  the  attack  is  prolonged  evidences  of  weakness 
and  fever  are  manifested.  Vomiting  and  ineffectual  attempts  to  vomit  are 
common  symptoms.    The  appetite  usually  entirely  disappears. 

"Diagnosis.  —The  suddenness  of  the  attack,  and  the  absence  of  all  signs 
of  inflammation  render  a  diagnosis  easy. 

Treatment — Although  writers  agree  that  the  first  step  in  treatment  is  to 
administer  a  cathartic,  it  seems  ill  advised,  and  a  better  practice  is  to  at 
once  attack  the  pain,  the  more  urgent  symptom.  Opium  in  some  form  is 
the  only  agent  upon  which  we  can  depend  in  the  severer  cases.  Paregoric 
and  laudanum  are  both  preparations  of  opium,  and  one  or  the  other  is  to 
be  found  in  nearly  every  house.  If  the  former  is  used,  one  teaspoonful 
should  be  given  from  one  to  three  hours  until  the  pain  is  subdued.  Of 
laudanum  the  dose  is  fifteen  drops  repeated  in  the  same  way. 


64  COLIC. 

Hot  applications  may  be  made  to  the  bowels  and  will  prove  grateful  to 
tbe  sufferer.  If  vomiting  occurs  at  intervals  and  the  medicine  is  not 
retained,  twice  the  quantity  given  by  the  mouth  should  be  injected  into 
the  rectum  and  held  there  for  a  time  by  pressure  over  the  anus.  If  the 
restlessness  of  the  animal  makes  this  effort  ineffectual,  a  subcutaneous 
injection  of  one  eighth  of  a  gram  of  morphine  should  be  administered. 

If  a  chemist  is  within  easy  distance  instead  of  paregoric  or  laudanum, 
have  the  following  prepared.— 

R    Chloroform!  3  ss 

Elixir  Mc.  Munn's  3  iss 

Ext.  Pruni  Virg.  Fid.    ad.  §iv 

Ft.  Mist.  Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful  in  a  little  water  every  half  hour 
until  the  pain  ceases. 

The  causative  treatment,  having  for  its  object  the  removal  of  the  different 
causes,  should  be  commenced  as  speedily  as  possible.  A  free  injection  of 
warm  soap-suds  should  be  given  to  invite  a  movement  of  the  bowels  by 
exciting  intestinal  activity. 

As  soon  as  possible  after  the  pain  has  been  subdued  a  tablespoonful  of 
castor  oil  should  be  administered  and  the  discharges  watched  for,  to  deter- . 
mine  the  cause  occasioning  the  attack.  If  attributable  to  coarse  indigestible 
nutriments,  a  diarrhoea  will  pi*obably  follow,  yielding  readily  to  proper 
dietetic  restrictions. 

One  fact  will  be  observed  and  surprise  will  be  felt  at  the  amount  of  opi- 
ates some  dogs  will  bear  without  visible  effect. 

Following  an  attack,  the  diet  should  be  restricted  and  the  same  treatment 
instituted  as  advised  in  Indigestion. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM.  65 

<Dm<R<itH(Ea. 

The  term  diarrhoea  is  used  to  designate  too  frequent  operations  of  the 
bowels,  the  discharges  being  abnormally  changed  in  character.  It  may 
occur  as  an  independent  affection,  or  as  a  symptom  incident  to  other 
diseases. 

It  is  often  associated  with  inflammation  of  the  large  and  small  intes- 
tines, and  with  disorders  where  changes  in  structure  exist.  It  appears  in 
functional  derangements,  such  as  indigestion  and  colic. 

Causation.  —The  exciting  causes  of  diarrhoea  are  extremely  numerous. 
When  the  affection  is  purely  functional,  the  mucous  membrane  being  in 
a  normal  state,  among  the  causes  are  included  indigestible  substances, 
decayed  food,  foreign  bodies,  retained  excretions,  poisons,  and  certain 
drugs  used  as  remedies  in  disease.  Worms  lodged  in  the  lower  bowel  may 
accumulate  and  diarrhoea  follow. 

Another  common  cause  is  the  influence  of  cold,  intestinal  irritation 
resulting  from  the  cooled  blood  of  the  surface  being  driven  inward.  Inju- 
ries such  as  a  kick  or  a  blow  in  the  abdomen,  may  induce  the  disorder. 
Diarrhoea  is  often  produced  in  puppies  by  feeding  milk  when  they  are 
unaccustomed  to  it.  On  the  other  hand,  after  giving  it  for  a  time  it  may 
be  found  to  produce  constipation.  Radical  changes  in  feeding,  from  coarse 
food  of  difficult  digestion  to  a  more  nutritious  and  concentrated  diet,  will 
loosen  the  bowels. 

In  diarrhoea  associated  with  other  diseases,  the  intestinal  mucous  mem- 
brane becomes  inflamed  from  causes  attributable  to  the  associated  disor- 
der, as  in  affections  of  the  liver.  According  as  the  exciting  cause  of  diar- 
rhoea is  of  a  temporary,  frequently  recurring,  or  permanent  character,  the 
affection  runs  an  acute  or  a  chronic  course. 

Symptoms .  — The  frequency  of  the  discharges  will  in  a  measure  indicate 
the  severity  of  the  disease.  More  important  than  the  number  is  the  char- 
acter of  the  stools.  Blood  is  not  an  uncommon  mixture.  It  may  be  due  to 
a  congested  state  of  the  membrane  lining  the  lower  bowel,  to  piles,  to  a 
sharp  bone  lodged  in  the  rectum,  or  possibly  worms.  The  presence  of 
mucus  in  small  amounts  has  no  significance ;  in  large  quantities  an  inflam- 
mation of  the  rectum  is  to  be  inferred. 

In  simple  uncomplicated  diarrhoea,  unless  of  long  continuance  the  gen- 
eral  health  suffers  but  little. 

Treatment.  —Diarrhoea  in  many  instances  is  nature's  effort  to  throw 
off  the  cause  of  irritation,  and  regulating  the  diet  will  usually  suffice  to 
overcome  the  trouble.  If  the  attack  is  severe,  nature  should  be  imitated 
and  a  dose  of  castor  oil  given,  to  effectually  remove  the  contents  of  the 
intestines,  preventing  their  continued  passage  over  the  irritated  surfaces. 


66  DIARRHOEA. 

If  pain  exists,  fifteen  drops  of  laudanum  should  be  added  to  the  laxative. 

The  diet  then  should  be  regulated,  being  simple  and  easily  digestible  ; 
milk  with  lime  water  in  parts  three  to  one,  or  milk  porridge  made  with 
flour  baked  until  browned.  If  this  is  refused,  beef  broths  thickened  with 
raw  eggs  will  be  more  inviting.  The  elixir  of  bark  pepsin  and  bismuth 
should  be  given  in  teaspoonful  doses  before  food  is  taken.  This  remedy 
and  the  dietetic  precautions  will  in  many  instances  suffice ;  even  in  serious 
cases  the  treatment  should  be  given  a  fair  trial  before  resorting  to  stronger 
medication. 

If  the  disease  persists  and  more  urgent  methods  are  indicated,  opium 
should  be  employed.  Dover's  powder  in  five  grain  doses  repeated  every 
five  or  six  hours  is  admirable  on  account  of  its  combination.  If  that  proves 
insufficient  and  pain  is  still  a  prominent  symptom,  the  following  may  be 
given.— 

R    Tinct.  Kino  gss 

Tinct.  Opii  3  i j 

Syr.  Simp.  gss 

Chloroformi  3  i 

Aquae  Menth.  Pip.        Sijss 
Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful  from  four  to  six  hours  as  indicated. 

It  is  quite  often  necessary  to  repeat  the  castor  oil ;  the  character  of  the 
discharges  will  direct  the  need.  If  they  are  of  a  very  offensive  odor  then 
a  dose  should  be  given  every  two  or  three  days. 

Diarrhoea  in  young  puppies  very  often  occurs  soon  after  the  period  of 
weaning;  changing  the  diet  will  often  suffice  with  them.  If  feeding  milk 
freely,  less  of  it  should  be  given,  beef  tea  for  a  time  substituted,  and  vice 
versa.  In  some  cases  liquid  food,  no  matter  how  wisely  selected,  will  be 
but  imperfectly  digested  and  productive  of  diarrhoea.  In  such  instances 
chalk  mixture,  in  teaspoonful  doses,  with  the  admixture  of  five  or  ten 
drops  of  paregoric  if  pain  exists,  should  be  given.  If  this  treatment  is  in- 
effectual, then  a  radical  change  in  the  diet  is  demanded.  Only  solid  food 
will  meet  the  exigency.  Potatoes  and  other  vegetables,  well  cooked  and 
mashed,  mixed  with  a  Jittle  blood  gravy  from  roasts,  soaked  bread  and 
meat,  are  the  principle  articles  to  be  depended  upon.  To  meet  the  argu- 
ments of  those  who  contend  that  flesh  is  an  injury  to  dogs  in  general  and 
particularly  to  very  young  puppies,  the  writer  would  say  that  it  is,  and 
has  long  been  his  custom  to  commence  giving  raw  meat  after  the  fifth 
week.  Several  pounds  of  fresh  and  lean  beef,  in  an  undivided  mass,  are 
thrown  into  the  pens  once  a  day  and  the  puppies  allowed  to  worry  it  for 
twenty  minutes;  it  is  then  removed.  Their  pleasure  and  improvement 
must  be  observed  to  be  appreciated. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM.  67 

Dysentery. 

The  term  dysentery  is  used  to  denote  an  inflammation  of  the  large  intes- 
tine accompanied  by  mucous  and  bloody  discharges  from  the  bowels. 

In  mild  cases  the  inflammation  is  not  severe  and  may  be  confined  to  the 
rectum.  In  severe  attacks  of  the  disease,  the  inflammation  is  not  only 
intense  but  extensive,  involving  the  greater  part  of  the  large  intestines, 
the  mucous  membrane  of  which  becomes  reddened,  swollen,  and  ulcera- 
ted. The  ulcers  are  greater  or  less  in  number,  some  being  small  and 
others  of  considerable  size. 

Causation.  —  Excesses  in  eating,  food  decomposed  or  improperly 
cooked,  foul  drinking  water,  exposure  to  cold  and  rain  storms  are  among 
the  generally  recognized  causes.  In  many  cases  it  is  not  easy  to  trace 
the  origin  of  the  disease  under  consideration  to  any  obvious  agency. 

Symptoms.  —The  affection  is  generally  preceded  by  a  diarrhoea  of  a 
variable  duration,  with  which  some  pain  has  been  associated.  The  appe- 
tite is  lessened  and  the  manner  dull  and  listless. 

The  development  of  the  disease  is  denoted  by  characteristic  discharges 
consisting  of  mucus  with  which  more  or  less  blood  is  commingled.  The 
effort  to  move  the  bowels  is  frequently  made  and  the  quantity  passed  at 
each  act  is  generally  small.  Slight  evacuations  may  take  place  every  hour 
and  even  much  oftener. 

The  quantity  of  mucus  expelled  is  in  some  instances  quite  abundant  and 
appears  in  a  jelly-like  mass,  for  which  the  popular  term  applied  is  slime. 
Sometimes  fecal  matter  is  mingled  with  the  discharges  but  they  are  more 
commonly  dysenteric  in  character,  consisting  of  mucus  and  blood.  At 
times  the  evacuations  present  a  greenish  color.  The  amount  of  mucus 
and  blood  voided  constitutes  measurably  a  standard  forjudging  the  extent 
of  the  intestinal  surface  affected. 

Pus  sometimes  appears  in  the  discharges  in  the  acute  form  of  the  disease, 
but  more  commonly  it  is  observed  in  the  chronic  stage.  The  inflammation 
of  the  rectum  occasions  a  sensation  as  if  the  bowel  were  filled  causing  a 
frequent  desire  to  evacuate ;  the  effort  is  strained  and  painful. 

The  abdominal  walls  are  usually  retracted  and  the  back  arched.  The 
pulse  is  not  materially  changed  excepting  in  extreme  cases.  Great  fre- 
quency of  the  pulse  denotes  gravity  and  danger,  but  the  reverse  does  not 
hold  good  as  sometimes  in  fatal  cases  it  is  but  little  quickened. 

Fever  is  exceptional  although  at  times  it  may  run  very  high.  The  nose 
is  hot  and  dry,  the  tongue  often  coated.  Thirst  is  a  prominent  symptom. 
Yomiting  may  occur  and  a  greenish  matter  be  expelled.  The  loss  of 
strength  varies  according  to  the  intensity  of  the  intestinal  inflammation. 
In  extreme  cases  running  to  a  fatal  termination,  the  discharges  become 


68  DYSEXTERT. 

putrid,  the  breath  offensive,  the  respiration  more  rapid,  the  eyes  sunken, 
the  expression  pinched  and  anxious.  The  pulse  grows  weak  and  feeble, 
evacuations  occur  more  frequently,  and  at  last  are  in  voluntary  and  beyond 
the  control  of  the  animal.  Paralysis  seems  to  invade  the  extremities,  the 
skin  becomes  cold  and  clammy,  the  stench  intolerable,  finally  death  ensues 
from  exhaustion. 

^Prognosis. — The  disease  intrinsically  tends  to  recovery.  It  is  a  dis- 
tressing affection,  but  properly  treated  need  seldom  result  fatally,  provi- 
ded the  system  has  not  been  weakened  by  some  previous  disease  or  some 
co-existing  derangement .  Exceptionally  dysentery  eventuates  in  the 
chronic  form  of  the  disorder. 

Treatment.  —It  is  desirable  that  as  early  as  possible  the  contents  of  the 
intestines,  and  more  especially  the  larger,  be  effectually  removed.  Nature 
evidently  endeavors  to  relieve  the  bowels  by  a  diarrhoea  which  precedes 
the  dysenteric  discharges.  The  treatment  should  be  commenced  with  an 
effective  purgative ;  castor  oil  is  the  more  appropriate  remedy  and  a  table- 
spoonful  should  be  given.  Following  the  oil,  opium  must  be  relied  upon. 
The  following  mixture  is  recommended.— 

R    Morph.   Sulph.  gr.ij 

Sodae  Sulphatis  £iij 

Aquae  Cinnamon.  giij 

Ft.  Mist.  Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful  every  five  or  six  hours. 
It  will  be  necessary  in  very  many  cases  to  repeat  the  castor  oil  espec- 
ially if  fever  manifests  itself,  or  the  discharges  assume  an  offensive  odor. 
The  writer  has  had  too  little  success  in  the  use  of  the  so-called  astringents 
to  advise  their  administration  in  the  early  stage  at  least.  Where  the  dis- 
charges assume  a  character  near  the  normal  but  watery,  then  the  following 
mixture  may  be  given.  — 

R    Misturae  Cretae        Siijss 

Tinct.  Catechu        gss 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Dose  a  dessertspoonful  every  three  or  four  hours. 

Vomiting  sometimes  occurs  as  a  prominent  symptom  at  times  early  in 
the  disease,  preventing  the  administration  of  medicine  by  the  mouth. 
In  such  a  case  morphine  can  be  given  subcutaneously,  or  thirty  drops  of 
laudanum  in  starch-water  be  injected  into  the  rectum.  These  methods 
need  only  be  employed  while  the  stomach  is  too  irritable  to  bear  what 
enters  it. 

The  food  should  be  bland  and  easily  digestible;  rather  withhold  it 
entirely  than  unwisely  select  that  which  is  liable  to  be  vomited,  or  add  to 
the  irritation. 

Milk  and  lime-water  in  small  quantities  given  frequently,  will  be  quite 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM.  69 

sufficient  at  first.  This  can  be  varied  by  giving  alternately  broths,  into 
which  a  raw  egg  has  been  broken.  When  any  diet  but  milk  is  allowed 
some  form  of  pepsin  should  be  administered  with  the  food;  of  the  French 
preparation,  five  grains  is  the  dose,  of  the  American  or  saccharated,  from 
five  to  ten  grains. 

The  elixir  bark  pepsin  and  bismuth  is  an  admirable  combination  and 
can  be  given  in  teaspoonful  doses  three  or  four  times  a  day.  If  the  symp- 
toms indicate  failure  of  the  vital  powers,  concentrated  nourishment  and 
possibly  stimulants  will  need  to  be  given  freely. 

When  the  disease  is  under  control  and  convalescence  commenced,  tonics 
should  be  employed. 

The  beef  wine  and  iron  at  first  in  dessertspoonful  doses  four  times  daily, 
then  the  elixir  calisaya  bark  iron  and  strychnine,  one  teaspoonful  twice  a 
day.    The  pepsin  should  be  persisted  in  until  recovery  is  complete. 


Constipation. 

The  term  constipation  and  costiveness  have  the  same  significance,  and 
denote  insufficient  evacuation  of  the  bowels.  Constipation  exists  as  a 
functional  disorder,  and  occurs  as  a  symptom  in  various  diseases.  It  is 
extremely  frequent  among  dogs,  and  while  alone  it  might  not  be  consid- 
ered as  a  serious  affection.  It  demands  consideration  from  its  importance 
as  giving  rise  to  other  ailments,  and  the  difficulty  experienced  in  attempt- 
ing a  cure  unless  its  causes  are  correctly  interpreted,  and  treatment  is 
judiciously  administered. 

The  affection  may  be  occasional  and  of  short  duration,  or  it  may  be 
habitual. 

Causation .  —The  causes  of  this  disorder  and  the  circumstances  which 
may  contribute  to  it  are  very  many.  Mechanically  the  abdominal  muscles 
render  important  aid  in  the  operation  of  unloading  the  bowels.  These 
muscles  become  weakened  by  distention  as  in  pregnant  bitches,  and  in 
animals  over-fed  and  excessively  fat. 

Lazy,  sleepy,  indoor  pets  are  supposed  to  be  especially  prone  to  consti- 
pation, but  it  is  probable  other  causes  are  more  active  in  its  production; 
among  them  excessive  neatness  and  restraint,  the  caprice  of  the  owner, 
rather  than  their  own  wants,  directing  when  they  be  allowed  out  of  doors. 
If  nature's  calls  or  promptings  are  continually  disregarded  or  resisted, 
the  sensibility  of  the  lower  bowel,  or  temporary  depot  for  the  excretion 
becomes  lessened,  the  accumulation  goes  on  and  paralysis  of  the  parts 
follows  repeated  and  continued  distension  of  the  intestine. 


70  CONSTIPATION. 

Food,  highly  nutritious  and  digestible,  leaving  but  little  residue  to  be 
thrown  out,  contributes  to  constipation.  Active  exercise  may  induce  the 
affection  by  consumption  ot  the  fluids  of  the  body.  If  deprived  of  drink- 
ing water,  on  the  same  principle  the  discharges  are  dry  and  hard. 

A  uniform ,  unvaried  diet  taken  day  after  day ,  tends  to  obstruct  the 
bowels.  Again  the  habitual  feeding  of  very  coarse  food  induces  the  dis- 
order, the  intestinal  activity  becoming  lessened,  fatigued  as  it  were,  by 
the  continued  strain  or  demand  made  to  throw  off  so  large  a  residue. 

In  the  constipation  occurring  in  the  course  of  chronic  diseases,  certain 
factors  show  in  its  production ;  among  the  many  may  be  mentioned  defect- 
ive nutrition,  degenerative  changes  in  the  muscular  coat  of  the  intestines, 
chronic  catarrh,  and  deficient  secretion  of  digestive  fluids. 

Symptoms.—  The  discharges  are  dry,  hard,  and  lumpy,  passed  with 
difficulty,  and  often  severe  pain.  The  operations  in  many  instances  are 
incomplete  and  frequent  attempts  are  required  to  effect  relief.  The  strain- 
ing efforts  of  the  animal  at  times ,  causes  an  eversion  of  the  bowel  and 
its  protrusion  through  the  anus.  Associated  with  these  symptoms  are 
often  observed  vomiting,  offensive  breath,  loss  of  appetite,  a  congested 
appearance  of  the  eyes,  coated  tongue,  and  a  dull,  heavy,  listless  manner. 

Treatment.  —Occasional  and  but  slight  constipation  is  readily  relieved. 
Dietetic  means  should  be  first  employed,  and  if  insufficient,  medicinal  rem- 
edies can  be  resorted  to. 

Dogs  returning  from  bench  shows  almost  always  suffer  from  this  derange- 
ment, and  all  trainers  and  care-takers  have  their  own  peculiar  nostrums, 
with  which  the  animals  are  dosed  after  exhibitions,  whether  the  need  of 
medicine  exists  or  not. 

The  writer  has  liver  in  quantity  boiled  the  day  previous  to  the  return  of 
his  dogs  from  exhibitions.  This  is  mixed  quite  freely  with  their  first  meal, 
the  effect  watched,  and  the  feeding  of  it  continued  until  the  need  is  no 
longer  evident.  This  method  will  prove  quite  sufficient  in  nearly  all  cases. 

If  the  constipation  be  more  than  slight,  and  yet  no  marked  discomfort 
is  apparent,  the  syrup  of  buckthorn  or  calcined  magnesia  may  be  added 
to  the  food  twice  daily  until  the  bowels  move  freely. 

The  treatment  of  habitual  constipation  requires  judgement  and  perse- 
verance. The  means  which  may  be  employed  are  various .  In  commencing 
treatment  the  object  is  to  completely  unload  the  bowel.  If  the  animal 
shows  by  his  distress  and  constant  efforts  a  hardened  mass  lodged  in  the 
rectum,  local  treatment  must  be  employed,  and  mechanical  means  resorted 
to.  Warm  soap-suds  should  be  freely  injected,  an  interval  allowed  for  its 
return,  and  then  another  injection  be  given.  If  after  repeated  efforts 
this  is  not  effectual,  several  syringes  full  of  sweet  or  linseed  oil  should 
be  thrown  up  and  another  interval  allowed.  If  that  does  not  suffice,  then 


CONSTIPATION.  71 

the  finger  must  be  well  oiled  and  introduced  into  the  rectum  and  the  mass 
be  broken  down,  thereby  insuring  its  passage. 

A  radical  change  should  then  be  made  in  the  diet.  Meat  should  be  well 
cooked  with  vegetables,  the  latter  when  well  done  to  be  crushed  finely  and 
returned  to  the  kettle;  then  with  corn  meal,  wheat  middlings,  or  oat- 
meal be  mixed  and  cooked  thoroughly.  These  articles  with  their  indigest- 
ible constituents  will  slightly  irritate  the  entire  canal  through  which  the 
food  passes,  thereby  stimulating  it  to  increased  activity-  This  means 
must  not  be  persisted  in  indefinitely,  lest  the  digestive  organs  become 
fatigued  from  the  continued  strain  forced  upon  them. 

If  the  animal  is  poor  in  flesh,  the  addition  of  cod-liver  oil  to  the  food 
will  act  beneficially. 

If  medicinal  remedies  are  demanded,  this  general  rule  is  a  wise  one : 
better  give  laxatives  twice  or  three  times  daily  in  small  doses,  rather  than 
give  the  same  in  one  large  dose.  Probably  no  better  laxative  can  be 
selected  for  repeated  administration  than  the  syrup  of  buckthorn,  which 
for  a  short  time  might  be  added  to  each  feeding  in  one  or  two  teaspoonful 
doses  as  demanded. 

Laxative  remedies,  when  the  need  of  their  persistent  use  is  indicated, 
should  have  some  tonic  added  to  counteract  their  depressing  effect.  When 
it  is  remembered  that  habitual  constipation  in  a  measure  results  from  a 
paralysis  of  the  lower  bowel,  the  use  of  nux  vomica  and  belladonna  can 
be  appreciated.  Both  agents  with  colocynth  are  ingredients  of  the  fol- 
lowing pill.— 

R    Ext.  Colocynth.  Comp.        3ss 
Ext.  Nucis  Vomicae  gr.iv 

Ext.  Belladonnae  gr.ij 

Ft.  Pil.  No.  xx.    Sig.  Dose  one  pill  at  night. 

Sufficient  exercise  must  be  allowed,  and  this  additional  fact  be  remem- 
bered that  the  mind  has  a  powerful  influence  over  intestinal  activity. 
Chain  up  for  a  short  time  each  day  a  perfectly  healthy  dog  and  derange- 
ment will  follow ;  not  from  the  want  of  exercise,  but  from  the  mental 
influence  of  the  restraint,  as  he  frets,  feels  neglected  and  grows  surly 
constipation  will  be  observed. 


72  DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM. 

Enteritis. 

Enteritis  is  designated  by  nearly  all  writers  as  inflammation  of  the 
bowels.  The  name  properly  signifies  an  inflammation  of  the  intestine, 
restricted  in  its  application  to  the  small  intestine.  The  disease  attacks  the 
mucous  membrane,  involves  the  walls  of  the  intestines,  and  sometimes 
extends  beyond  to  the  tissues  in  the  part  where  the  inflammatory  process 
is  going  on. 

Causation.— The,  cause  is  not  always  appreciable.  The  intestinal 
mucous  membrane  is  especially  liable  to  inflammations,  and  even  slight 
irritations  may  suffice  to  excite  the  same. 

Improper  food;  traumatic  injuries;  exhaustion  from  over-work;  expo- 
sure to  cold  in  damp  draughty  kennels;  abuse  of  cathartics;  irritant 
poisons;  these  are  the  more  common  causes.  The  presence  of  worms, 
obstruction,  liver  derangements,  prolonged  suffering  from  colic  are  influ- 
ences which  may  induce  the  affection. 

In  pulmonary  and  certain  other  chronic  diseases,  enteritis  is  frequently 
associated.  An  intestinal  complication  is  not  uncommon  in  distemper. 
Certain  climatic  changes  are  well  known  to  influence  the  frequency  of  the 
disease. 

Symptoms .  —The  symptoms  of  enteritis  are  not  very  characteristic,  at 
least  they  vary  considerably  in  their  degree  of  development  in  different 
cases.  Constipation  usually  exists  at  first;  then  follows  the  most  frequent 
symptom  of  intestinal  inflammation,  diarrhoea,  the  discharges  being  thin 
and  watery  mixed  with  mucus.  Blood  is  a  rare  admixture,  excepting  in 
cases  where  the  rectum  becomes  inflamed  either  by  the  extension  of  the 
disease  from  the  small  intestine,  or  by  the  passage  out  of  acrid  and  irrita- 
ting discharges. 

In  many  attacks  the  disease  is  ushered  in  by  a  chill  as  shown  by  shiver- 
ings,  then  the  usual  constitutional  signs  of  inflammation  follow.  The  nose 
becomes  hot  and  dry,  the  tongue  parched,  the  eyes  reddened,  the  urine 
scanty,  and  the  pulse  rapid  and  bounding. 

Abdominal  pain  is  an  almost  constant  symptom.  Its  character  varies 
considerably ;  sometimes  it  is  colicky,  having  intervals  of  increased  sever- 
ity ;  at  others  it  is  continuous,  dull,  aching,  and  aggravated  by  pressure. 

The  expression  of  the  animal  denotes  anxiety,  his  moanings  and  rest- 
lessness,  his  discomfort.  When  standing  his  body  is  arched  and  his  tail  is 
pressed  tightly  between  his  legs.  The  abdominal  walls  are  firm,  hard,  and 
tense.  Vomiting  is  quite  a  common  symptom,  sympathetic  in  character 
generally,  rather  than  due  to  any  gastric  irritation.  The  disease  may  ex- 
tend and  involve  the  stomach. 

The  breathing  in  severe  cases  is  hurried  and  painful;  the  animal  seems 


ENTERITIS.  73 

to  avoid  a  deep  inspiration.  By  an  examination  of  the  anus  it  will  in  many- 
cases  be  found  that  the  parts  are  reddened,  hot,  and  dry. 

In  cases  running  a  fatal  course  the  strength  suffers  severely.  The  breath- 
ing grows  more  hurried,  the  pulse  more  feeble ;  the  body  emits  a  sickening 
odor;  the  signs  of  complete  exhaustion  follow  rapidly;  the  skin  becomes 
cold  and  clammy ;  convulsions  occur  and  the  animal  dies. 

diagnosis.  —  This  should  not  be  difficult.  The  disease  is  to  be  discrimi- 
nated from  inflammation  of  the  stomach,  colic,  and  dysentery.  Vomiting 
may  suggest  gastritis,  but  the  symptoms  of  that  disease  are  in  the  earlier 
stages  of  a  much  graver  character  than  those  of  enteritis,  and  point  clearly 
to  the  stomach.  The  two  diseases  may  be  combined,  as  is  the  case  of  irri- 
tant poisoning. 

Colic  is  a  functional  trouble  in  which  the  pain  is  intense,  without  fever 
or  other  inflammatory  signs,  and  with  it  constipation  is  more  often  asso- 
ciated than  diarrhoea.  The  absence  of  the  characteristic  dysenteric 
discharges  and  the  accompanying  straining,  should  readily  exclude  dys- 
entery. The  only  room  for  doubt  is  when  an  inflammation  of  the  large 
intestine  is  superadded  to  enteritis. 

^Prognosis.— In  inflammation  of  the  intestines  the  prognosis  varies 
much,  according  to  the  severity  of  the  disease,  the  cause  which  produces 
or  maintains  it,  the  general  strength  of  the  animal,  etc.  If  not  associated 
with  any  other  affection,  recovery  olten  takes  place.  The  disease  is  how- 
ever a  grave  one  and  danger  invariably  attends. 

Treatment.  —Like  the  prognosis,  the  treatment  also  is  determined  by 
the  exciting  cause  of  the  attack.  Naturally  the  first  step  if  the  animal 
suffers  great  pain,  is  to  control  it  with  opiates.  One  of  the  most  important 
measures  next  to  be  employed  is  the  removal  of  the  intestinal  contents. 
This  precaution  should  never  be  neglected,  even  when  diarrhoea  is  pres- 
ent. The  writer  is  well  aware  that  authors  consider  the  employment  of 
purgatives  in  this  disease  contra-indicated,  and  one  strenuously  protests 
against  their  use  "  as  almost  sinful."  Why  such  a  radical  theory  cannot 
be  accepted  may  be  better  understood  after  considering  certain  facts. 

The  important  end  in  the  treatment  of  all  inflammations  is  quietude  of 
the  inflamed  part;  this  cannot  be  secured  in  inflammations  of  the  intes- 
tines until  the  contents  are  effectually  removed,  thereby  preventing  their 
continued  passage  over  the  inflamed  surface.  Again  when  the  contents  of 
the  intestines  are  indigestible  and  irritating,  nature's  own  prompting  and 
remedy  is  a  diarrhoea.  Can  we  do  better  than  imitate  nature?  When  the 
beginning  of  the  large  intestine  is  the  seat  of  the  disease,  the  use  of  cathar- 
tics is  attended  with  some  risk,  but  that  portion  is  rarely  seriously 
Involved  and  little  or  no  danger  exists  from  them  at  the  onset  of  the 
inflammation.    After  an  enteritis  has  been  present  for  a  time  and  the  tis- 


74  ENTERITIS. 

sues  in  the  neighborhood  have  taken  on  the  inflammatory  process  then  a 
cathartic  would  he  ill-advised.  After  a  consideration  of  these  facts  it 
seems  fair  and  rational  to  draw  this  conclusion,  namely :  the  evacuating 
treatment  is  judicious  and  appropriate  in  the  early  stage  of  enteritis  and 
should  never  he  neglected. 

If  the  attack  has  been  preceded  by  constipation,  or  there  is  reason  to 
suppose  the  lower  bowel  is  loaded,  an  injection  of  oil  or  warm  soap-suds 
may  be  given ;  in  fact  that  intestine  should  be  thoroughly  evacuated  by 
this  means.  Then  instead  of  giving  a  large  purgative  dose  of  castor-oil,  it 
were  better  to  administer  it  in  divided  doses.  Two  tablespoonfuls  of  the 
oil  should  be  beaten  up  with  two  raw  eggs  and  of  the  mixture,  a  table- 
spoonful  be  given  every  two  hours  until  the  bowels  move  freely;  at  the 
same  time  employing  opiates  to  control  the  pain;  also  adding  to  the  relief 
of  the  animal  by  making  hot  applications  to  the  abdomen. 

A  large  piece  of  old  blanket  wrung  out  in  hot  rum  and  water,  equal 
parts,  applied  to  the  bowels  and  changed  frequently,  will  be  found  to  aid 
greatly  in  relieving  the  distress. 

The  selection  of  a  suitable  diet  is  of  the  greatest  importance  in  treat- 
ment. Only  those  articles  easily  digested  should  be  given.  Milk,  raw 
eggs,  scraped  beef,  broths,  gelatine,  teas  of  flaxseed  and  slippery  elm  are 
the  more  appropriate. 

Of  all  medicinal  remedies  some  form  of  opium  is  the  most  important, 
securing  thereby  rest  to  the  inflamed  parts.  Of  laudanum  the  dose  should 
be  fifteen  drops;  of  paregoric  one  teaspoonful;  of  morphine  one  twelfth 
of  a  grain.  Either  of  these  preparations  can  be  given  singly  in  the  early 
stage  of  the  disease,  and  be  repeated  from  two  to  four  hours,  as  is  neces- 
sary to  subdue  the  pain.  In  the  later  stage  it  may  be  well  to  use  the  opiate 
in  combination  with  an  astringent  as  follows.— 

R    Morphiae  Acet.  gr.ij 

Acidi  Tannici  3  ss 

Aquae  Camphorae       §  iij 
Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful  from  two  to  four  hours. 

During  convalescence  the  diet  should  be  restricted  for  a  long  time,  and 
when  allowed  to  be  more  generous,  the  elixir  bark  pepsin  and  bismuth  in 
teaspoonful  doses  may  be  given  three  times  a  day  with  the  food. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM.  75 

INTESTINAL   OBSTRUCTION. 

Obstruction  is  possible  in  any  part  of  the  intestinal  canal  from  the  moutli 
to  the  rectum.  The  condition  is  an  uncommon  one,  and  -when  existing  it 
is  rarely  recognized  in  time  but  is  mistaken  for  some  other  disease  of  the 
the  bowels. 

Causation. — It  may  arise  from  many  causes ;  more  prominent  among 
them  are  foreign  bodies  such  as  bones,  wood,  grass  and  other  indigestible 
materials  taken  into  the  stomach;  obstinate  constipation,  fecal  masses 
becoming  lodged  in  the  bowels ;  pressure  upon  the  intestines  from  without, 
as  in  cases  of  tumors,  or  the  abdominal  organs  greatly  enlarged  by  disease ; 
solid  growths  within  the  intestine;  the  imprisonment  of  the  bowel  in 
holes,  fissures  and  hernial  rings;  strangulation  by  false  ligaments,  or 
bands  of  lymph ;  twisting,  and  the  formation  of  knots  in  the  intestine ; 
obstruction  by  the  bowel  itself  as  in  intussusception,  a  condition  where 
one  portion  of  the  intestine  falls  into  another  and  becomes  strangulated. 

Symptoms.  — The  selection  of  a  typical  case  of  acute  internal  strangu- 
lation for  an  illustration  can  alone  convey  an  adequate  idea  of  the 
symptoms. 

Pain  is  usually  the  first  manifestation  sufficient  to  attract  attention, 
although  in  some  instances  an  insignificant  diarrhoea  or  constipation  may 
have  previously  existed.  The  pain  is  severe,  colicky  in  character  and 
recurs  at  intervals ;  the  symptoms  at  this  stage  are  identically  those  de- 
scribed in  colic,  for  which  obstruction  is  commonly  mistaken  and  treated. 

For  convenience  it  is  presumed  the  usual  domestic  remedies  have  been 
employed,  and  under  the  impression  a  free  passage  of  the  bowels  would 
bring  relief,  not  only  a  cathartic  but  an  injection  has  been  administered. 
But  success  does  not  attend  the  use  of  these  remedies;  the  bowels  do  not 
move,  or  at  least  only  slightly,  the  pain  persists  in  all  its  intensity,  and 
vomiting  becomes  frequent.  The  abdomen  becomes  distended,  the  ex- 
pression piteous  and  anxious,  the  eyes  congested  and  sunken.  The 
respiration  is  superficial  and  frequent,  the  pulse  small  and  rapid.  The 
animal  makes  frequent  attempts  to  empty  the  bowels;  these  efforts  are 
painful  and  increased  by  the  failure  to  purge.  The  vomited  matter  is 
composed,  first,  of  the  contents  of  the  stomach  and  then  of  greenish  mat- 
ter, later  a  dirty  green,  then  brownish  having  something  the  appearance 
of  diarrhoeal  discharges ;  finally  if  life  is  prolonged,  matter  which  should 
naturally  have  been  thrown  off  by  the  bowels  appears  mingled  with  that 
vomited,  accompanied  with  the  characteristic  fecal  odor  At  this  time  the 
animal  is  in  a  condition  of  collapse,  the  skin  cold  and  clammy,  vomiting 
frequent,  breathing  rapid,  thirst  great,  pain  exhausting,  eyes  leaden, 
tongue  dry  and  covered  with  a  dirt,  brown  coat,  pulse  thin  and  thready 


76  INTESTINAL  OBSTRUCTION. 

soon  is  no  longer  felt,  and  the  animal  dies. 

This  is  a  picture  of  a  typical  case  of  intestinal  obstruction  running  an 
acute  course.  It  will  be  appreciated  that  few  cases  have  symptomatic 
phenomena  in  common.  In  many  instances  they  run  a  course  which  might 
riot  improperly  be  termed  chronic;  the  symptoms  then  are  vague  and  ill 
defined.  This  is  commonly  the  case  when  the  obstruction  is  due  to  the 
impaction  of  foreign  bodies  such  as  woody  fibres,  bones,  etc. 

Some  cases  of  the  so  called  chronic  affection  have  been  reported  through- 
out which  aside  from  discomfort,  loss  of  appetite,  obstinate  constipation, 
and  some  fever  late  in  the  attack,  no  positive  symptoms  were  present 
absolutely  indicative  of  the  trouble. 

Diagnosis .  —  The  diagnosis  is  usually  made  at  the  autopsy,  not  before. 
Where  the  attack  takes  on  an  acute  course,  it  might  be  mistaken  for  a  case 
of  poisoning,  more  especially  with  arsenic;  but  a  careful  consideration  of 
the  symptoms  should  obviate  the  danger  of  confusion.  Generally  the  dif- 
ficulty in  diagnosis  will  be  to  discriminate  obstruction  from  colic  and 
acute  peritonitis.  The  persistency  of  pain,  the  appearance  of  tenderness 
and  vomiting,  with  such  marked  constitutional  symptoms  will  soon  point 
to  a  graver  affection  than  colic. 

In  acute  peritonitis  the  symptoms  develop  more  gradually ;  the  tender- 
ness is  more  diffused  over  the  whole  abdomen,  the  muscles  of  which  are 
more  rigid,  and  the  matter  vomited  is  different  in  character.  It  should 
also  be  remembered  that  peritonitis  more  commonly  follows  traumatic 
injuries  and  an  absence  of  such  a  history  would  weigh  considerably. 

In  obstruction  often  a  lump  or  tumor  appears  in  the  abdomen,  showing 
the  locality  of  the  stoppage.  At  best  a  diagnosis  will  be  difficult;  the  con- 
siderations noted  will  aid  some  in  differentiation. 

Prognosis.  —If  the  obstruction  is  caused  by  obstinate  constipation  and 
impaction  of  foreign  bodies,  the  chances  of  recovery  are  greater.  When 
the  intestine  is  closed  by  a  twist  it  might  straighten  itself,  a  knot  might 
loosen,  a  strangulated  loop  might  become  free,  and  an  intussusception 
become  disengaged;  again  that  portion  of  the  intestine  which  may  have 
invaginated  or  entered  into  another,  might  slough  off  and  pass  out  by 
the  bowels.  Such  happy  results  are  however  very  rare,  and  a  fatal  termi- 
nation in  the  majority  of  cases  maybe  anticipated. 

Treatment.  —Theory  suggests  many  methods  of  treatment;  experience 
tells  how  futile  they  have  proved.  The  indications  are  to  secure  as  near 
perfect  rest  of  the  intestinal  canal  as  possible,  to  relieve  pain  and  support 
the  powers  of  life.  Cathartics  must  never  be  given,  as  they  interfere  with 
the  objects  just  mentioned  and  are  deadly  in  their  effect.  Opium  should  be 
given  in  sufficient  quantity  to  control  the  pain,  and  the  strength  should  be 
maintained  by  concentrated  and  nutritious  food  with  stimulants  if  needed. 


DISEASES  OF  TEE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM.  77 

(Peritonitis. 

The  peritoneum  is  a  serous  membrane  partially  investing  all  the  organs 
In  the  abdominal  cavity.  An  inflammation  of  this  membrane  or  perito- 
nitis may  be  either  acute,  circumscribed,  or  chronic  as  regards  the  degree 
and  duration  of  the  inflammation. 

The  disease  is  an  exceedingly  grave  one  and  fortunately  but  rarely  met 
with  among  dogs. 

Causation.—  Traumatic  injuries  such  as  kicks  and  blows,  exposure  to 
cold,  and  whelping.  In  the  great  majority  of  cases  the  disease  is  incidental 
to  other  affections  of  the  abdominal  organs.  In  intestinal  diseases  the 
inflammatory  process  may  extend  and  involve  the  peritoneum,  or  ulcera- 
tion may  induce  it  through  perforation. 

Symptoms . — In  acute  inflammation  of  the  peritoneum  the  symptoms 
may  be  readily  recognized.  The  pain  is  agonizing;  to  this  the  sharp  shrill 
cries  of  the  animal  fully  testify.  While  he  has  strength  to  remain  on  the 
feet  his  restlessness  is  ceaseless,  and  in  no  position  can  he  find  relief.  He 
breathes  solely  with  the  chest,  the  abdominal  muscles  being  rigid  and 
fixed.  The  expression  is  anxious,  the  eyes  reddened  and  sunken;  the 
pulse  small,  why,  and  resisting;  the  tongue  dry,  vomiting  constant;  con- 
stipation is  obstinate.  The  abdomen  is  distended,  tense,  and  great  tender- 
ness is  more  or  less  widely  diffused.  If  the  case  proceeds  to  a  fatal 
termination  the  abdomen  swells  with  an  effusion,  the  pulse  becomes 
quicker  and  weaker;  paralysis  follows;  then  exhaustion  and  death. 

^Diagnosis.  —In  severe  forms  of  the  disease  under  consideration,  this 
should  not  be  difficult.  From  enteritis  it  is  distinguished  by  greater  pain, 
greater  abdominal  tenderness  and  distension,  absence  of  diarrhoea,  and 
the  presence  of  evidences  of  a  much  graver  disease.  Colic  may  be  elimi- 
nated on  the  same  points  of  difference  between  that  disease  and  enteritis. 

Prognosis.  —  General  peritonitis  is  an  exceedingly  grave  disease  from 
which  there  is  little  hope  of  recovery.  The  danger  is  greatly  increased  by 
perforation  and  co-existing  diseases. 

The  affection  may  run  rapidly  to  a  fatal  termination,  destroying  life 
within  a  few  hours,  or  the  issue  may  be  prolonged  several  days.  Recovery 
might  take  place  from  the  acute  form  of  the  disease,  but  such  a  result  must 
be  painfully  rare. 

Treatment.  —  Opium  is  the  sovereign  remedy  and  on  that  reliance  must 
be  placed.  How  large  a  dose  and  how  often,  it  is  difficult  to  direct.  The 
natures  of  animals  vary ;  some  are  susceptible  to  a  small  quantity,  others 
bear  large  doses  of  opiates  with  but  little  effect.  Again  the  pain  may 
be  agonizing  in  some  cases  and  less  severe  in  others.  Still  in  other 
attacks  vomiting  will  be  so  persistent  that  medicine  will  not  be  retained, 


78  PERITONITIS. 

in  which  event  morphine  must  he  administered  suhcutaneously  in  one 
eighth  grain  doses.  Where  the  medicine  is  not  rejected  laudanum  is  a 
convenient  preparation  of  opium,  and  should  be  given  in  twenty  drop 
doses.  Should  the  animal  show  no  signs  of  sleeping  and  the  pain  persists, 
doubtless  the  dose  could  be  safely  repeated  every  hour  and  a  half  or  two 
hours  until  some  relief  is  secured.  Although  obstinate  constipation  exists, 
purgatives  must  not  under  any  consideration  be  given  during  the  acute 
stage.  Remember  the  costiveness  arises  from  an  inflammation  of  the 
bowels,  and  they  being  unable  to  expel  their  contents. 

Hot  applications  to  the  abdomen  are  indicated,  and  it  matters  little  their 
character  as  long  as  they  are  hot.  Nourishment  should  be  given  ice  cold, 
the  most  concentrated  being  demanded. 

Partial  or  circumscribed  peritonitis  is  as  the  name  implies  an  inflam- 
mation limited  to  a  portion  of  the  peritoneum.  It  is  a  complication  of  a 
previous  affection  of  the  parts  covered  by  the  inflamed  membrane.  Where 
this  inflammation  exists,  a  disease  of  the  tissues  beneath  may  be  inferred. 

Chronic  peritonitis  is  less  common  than  the  acute.  Occasionally  the 
latter  eventuates  in  the  chronic  form,  but  rarely  so;  it  is  more  often  asso- 
ciated with  some  diseases  of  the  abdominal  organs,  previously  existing  or 
present.  As  chronic  peritonitis  must  sooner  or  later  eventuate  in  death, 
as  it  is  insidious  and  its  existence  is  rarely  detected  except  at  the  autopsy, 
an  extended  consideration  is  an  absurdity. 

An  inflammation  limited  to  the  upper  portion  of  the  large  intestine 
sometimes  occurs  in  canine  practice.  The  more  common  cause  is  the 
lodgment  of  a  foreign  body  such  as  a  small,  sharp  piece  of  bone.  This  be- 
coming fixed  excites  a  local  inflammation,  which  in  turn  may  result  in  ul- 
ceration, and  finally  perforation  into  the  abdominal  cavity  take  place. 
Peritonitis  more  often  follows  and  terminates  fatally.  In  rare  instances 
the  peritonitis  at  first  will  be  local.  In  such  cases  an  abscess  usually 
forms,  and  more  often  bursts  into  the  abdominal  cavity. 

While  the  inflammation  is  limited  to  the  intestine,  the  symptoms  are, 
pain  and  tenderness  confined  to  a  certain  part  of  the  abdomen.  Gas  gen- 
erally accumulates,  and  the  bowels  become  greatly  distended.  The  move- 
ments of  the  animal,  especially  of  his  hind  legs,  cause  an  increase  in 
pain.  If  the  gaseous  distention  is  confined  to  the  affected  portion,  the 
intestine  can  be  felt  through  the  abdominal  walls.  Diarrhoea  is  a  common 
symptom,  with  which  is  associated,  higher  pulse,  fever,  loss  of  appetite 
and  the  usual  manifestations  of  a  serious  disturbance.  When  perforation 
takes  place  the  symptoms  become  identical  with  those  of  peritonitis. 

In  treatment,  opium  to  relieve  pain,  a  blister  to  the  abdomen,  over  the 
inflamed  parts,  and  a  cautious  use  of  cathartics;  the  preference  being 
given  to  castor  oil,  in  small  doses,  frequently  repeated. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM.  79 

<PlLES. 

Haemorrhoids  or  piles  are  small  tumors  situated  near  the  anus.  They 
consist  of  folds  of  the  mucous  and  sub-mucous  tissues,  and  usually  contain 
large  veins.  These  tumors  may  be  in  a  state  of  congestion,  swollen  from 
inflammation  and  very  sensitive,  or  they  may  exist  as  a  simple  thickening 
of  the  parts  and  comparatively  free  from  pain.  Sometimes  the  veins  sup- 
plying the  anus  become  morbidly  dilated  forming  knots,  and  at  times  the 
blood  in  these  distended  vessels  coagulates  or  clots,  and  a  solid  tumor  is 
formed.  Again  the  whole  mucous  membrane  of  the  lower  part  of  the 
rectum  may  become  swollen,  sensitive,  and  protrude  at  every  evacuation 
of  the  bowels,  causing  great  pain,  and  at  times  bleeding. 

The  tumors  may  be  pendulous,  varying  in  size,  and  hanging  down  from 
the  rectum  productive  of  great  tenderness  and  discomfort.  External  piles 
may  be  met  with  in  round  bunches  at  the  anus,  in  part  covered  by  the 
mucous  membrane  and  partly  by  the  skin. 

Causation. — The  predisposing  causes  are  any  influences  which  pro- 
duce a  fulness  of  the  abdominal  blood  vessels,  or  obstruct  the  return  of 
blood  from  the  rectum  to  general  circulation.  Among  them  may  be  men- 
tioned diseases  of  the  liver,  insufficient  exercise,  pregnancy,  and  habitual 
constipation.  When  the  latter  complaint  induces  piles,  they  may  be  as 
much  attributed  to  the  irritation  and  congestion  which  it  excites  as  to  the 
impediment  to  the  course  of  blood  produced,  for  otherwise  the  tumors 
would  disappear  when  the  bowels  were  freely  moved,  which  is  not  the 
case. 

The  exciting  causes  may  be  straining  to  discharge  the  bowels  as  in  dys- 
entery, violent  purgative  medicines,  in  fact  anything  that  irritates  the 
lower  bowel. 

Symptoms.  — The  dog  will  generally  by  his  manner  draw  attention  to 
the  affection.  Pain  will  lead  him  to  lick  the  parts,  and  to  relieve  the  itch- 
ing which  is  commonly  associated  he  will  drag  the  anus  along  the  floor, 
or  will  rub  himself  astride  a  bar  or  against  a  post.  Swelling  of  the  parts 
indicate  the  affection.    Some  blood  may  be  found  in  the  discharges. 

Treatment. — The  primary  object  is  to  remove  the  predisposing  and 
exciting  causes.  If  the  animal  is  over-fed  and  has  insufficient  exercise, 
his  diet  should  be  restricted  and  work  be  insisted  upon. 

The  bowels  should  be  regulated  and  the  discharges  kept  soft  and  copious. 
The  domestic  remedy,  cream  of  tartar  and  sulphur  will  probably  be  suffi- 
cient, and  may  be  given  each  morning  with  the  food,  two  teaspoonfuls  of 
the  former  to  one  half  a  teaspoonful  of  the  latter.  If  the  piles  are  inflamed 
bathing  them  with  cold  water  frequently  will  afford  relief,  and  insure 
perfect  cleanliness,  one  of  the  essentials.    The  following  ointment  should 


SO  DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM. 

be  freely  applied  to  the  swollen  parts  several  times  daily.— 
R    Acidi  Tannici  3i 

Morph.  Sulphatis       gr.iv 
Pulv.  Camphorse        3  ss 
Ungt.  Stramonii         §i 
Ft.  Ungt.    Sig.  External. 
After  the  bowels  have  been  regulated  and  the  sulphur  and  cream  of  tar- 
tar are  discontinued,  it  is  advisable  to  give  two  teaspoonfuls  of  pure 
glycerin  in  each  feeding  for  several  weeks  or  until  a  cure  is  complete. 

Tumors  of  long  standing  and  not  yielding  readily  to  treatment  should 
be  removed  by  the  actual  cautery. 

Hemorrhage  from  the  rectum  while  it  is  frequently  associated  with 
piles,  is  rarely  important  enough  to  need  interference;  unless  the  loss  of 
blood  be  sufficient  to  weaken,  it  will  be  a  relief  to  the  animal  and  no  effort 
should  be  made  to  stop  it. 

It  the  bleeding  is  considerable  and  debility  evidently  results  from  it,  a 
tonic  of  iron  is  demanded  and  may  be  given  as  follows.  — 
R    Ferri  Sulph.  3  ss 

Acid.  Sulph.  dil.  3  i 

Aquae  ad.     siv 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful  in  a  little  water  three  times  a  day. 


Fissure  of  the  j&jyvs. 

This  affection  appears  as  an  irritable  ulcer,  and  originates  in  a  crack  in 
the  mucous  membrane  of  the  rectum,  near  the  junction  of  the  skin.  It 
may  be  caused  by  intestinal  irritation,  piles,  constipation,  hardened  fecal 
matter,  and  violent  straining  requisite  for  its  expulsion.  Pain  is  a  prom- 
inent symptom,  and  a  dog,  so  affected,  while  unloading  the  bowels  will 
make  continued  efforts,  desist  for  a  time,  and  run  about  uttering  sharp 
cries  indicative  of  his  suffering.  This  operation  will  be  prolonged  and 
finally  accomplished  after  violent  expulsive  effort. 

The  discharges  when  solid  are  streaked  with  blood  and  sometimes  puru- 
lent matter.  When  more  soft  they  are  of  small  size.  On  examination,  the 
anus  is  found  extremely  sensitive,  and  the  animal  will  struggle  violently 
to  escape.  Ether  must  be  administered  before  the  ulcer  can  be  exposed. 
Suppositories  containing  one  grain  of  each,  opium  and  iodoformum,  may 
effect  a  cure,  if  not  a  surgical  operation  will  be  necessary. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM.  81 

Fistula  ijy  tfwo. 

Fistula  in  Ano  signifies  an  ulcer  through  the  rectum,  and  a  passage  by 
the  side  of  it  down  through  the  fibres  of  the  sphincter  ani,  the  muscle 
which  surrounds  the  anus  closing  it  hy  contraction. 

Fistula  of  the  anus  may  he  met  with  in  dogs,  more  commonly  among  the 
house  pet  overfed  and  deprived  of  needed  exercise.  This  affection  is  a 
common  result  of  abscess  near  the  rectum.  One  eminent  surgeon  main- 
tains "  that  it  always  commences  with  an  ulceration  of  the  mucous  mem- 
branes of  the  rectum,  and  an  escape  of  the  fecal  matter  into  the  cellular 
tissue,  which  gives  rise  to  abscess  and  fistula.  " 

This  affection  may  exist  as  follows  —  complete,  having  an  external 
opening  near  the  anus,  and  another  into  the  bowel  above  the  sphincter 
muscle  —  as  a  blind  external  fistula  which  has  no  opening  into  the  bowel 
—  as  the  blind  intestinal  fistula  which  opens  into  the  bowel  but  not  exter- 
nally. 

Symptoms .  —Irritation  and  pain  in  the  affected  part  causes  the  animal 
to  act  much  the  same  as  when  suffering  from  piles,  licking  the  anus  and 
dragging  himself  along  the  floor,  etc.  If  the  fistula  opens  externally,  less 
difficulty  will  be  experienced  in  making  a  diagnosis;  still  in  but  few  cases 
will  detection  be  easy,  but  rather  the  reverse,  as  in  many  instances  the 
opening  will  be  minute  and  need  close  scrutiny  to  discover  it.  The  course 
of  an  external  fistula  is  that  of  a  frequent  recurring  abscess;  the  cavity 
fills  up  and  discharges,  the  opening  then  closes  and  again  the  cavity  fills. 
In  searching  for  a  fistulous  opening,  a  minute  drop  of  matter  in  the  centre 
of  a  slight  swelling  will  often  mark  its  location.  To  explore  its  track  a 
small  steel  knitting  needle  will  be  sufficient.  4 

When  a  blind  internal  fistula  exists  its  presence  may  be  suspected  by  a 
discharge,  bloody,  watery  in  character,  and  at  times  offensive. 

Treatment.—  The  constitutional  treatment  may  be  left  to  owners  and 
care-takers  but  the  local  surgical  treatment  never.  The  constitutional 
treatment  is  symptomatic ;  correct  abuses,  regulate  the  diet,  and  if  weak, 
strengthen.  Constipation  should  be  overcome  by  judicious  dieting;  among 
other  articles  of  food  no  better  laxative  is  known  than  liver,  which  can 
be  fed  in  sufficient  quantity  to  keep  the  bowels  regular,  or  if  preferred  the 
cream  of  tartar  and  sulphur  as  advised  in  piles  may  be  given  instead. 

Exercise  should  be  enforced.  If  tonic  remedies  are  demanded,  cod-liver 
oil,  iron,  or  quinine  may  be  administered. 

A  radical  cure  of  fistula  demands  a  surgical  operation.  Of  several  pop- 
ular methods ,  the  elastic  ligature  is  advised .  When  an  operation  is  im- 
perative, a  competent  surgeon  should  be  employed  and  the  method  of 
procedure  left  entirely  to  his  judgment. 


82  DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM. 

P<ROLfi.<PSUS  &NI. 

The  name  denotes  an  eversion  of  the  lower  portion  of  the  rectum,  and 
its  protrusion  through  the  anus.  The  affection  is  more  common  in  old 
dogs,  hut  may  appear  at  any  age,  caused  by  a  natural  laxity  of  the  parts 
or  by  straining  from  constipation. 

2'realment .  —  Whenever  the  protrusion  occurs,  the  parts  should  be  re- 
placed as  soon  as  possible  after  being  carefully  washed.  If  any  difficulty 
is  experienced,  the  fore  finger  should  be  well  oiled  and  pushed  up  into  the 
anus  carrying  the  protruded  part  with  it. 

To  radically  cure  the  affection  the  bowels  should  be  regulated  as  in 
piles,  and  tonics  be  given.  The  tincture  of  chloride  of  iron  is  preferred  ir. 
ten  drop  doses  well  diluted  and  administered  three  times  a  day.  In  the 
severest  cases  use  the  following.— 

R    Ferri  Persulph.       >  3ss 

Pulv.  Opii  gr.xv 

Camphorae  3  ss 

01.  Theobromse  q.  s. 

Ft.  Suppositories  No.  xij.    Sig.  Introduce  one  into  the  rectum  twice  daily. 


CH&&TE&  VII. 
DISEASES    EFFECTING 

TEE 

SOLHD  ORG&NS  OF  THE  &B<DOMEN* 


&CUTE  HE<P&TITIS. 

Of  the  diseases  of  the  solid  abdominal  organs,  the  greater  number  and 
the  more  important  are  situated  in  the  liver.  Inflammation  of  this  struct- 
ure is  termed  hepatitis  and  may  he  either  acute  or  chronic.  These  two 
forms  claim  separate  consideration. 

Acute  hepatitis  is  an  affection  rarely  seen  among  dogs  in  the  colder 
climates.  It  is  reported  that  the  disease  is  not  infrequent  in  the  tropics; 
the  course  it  runs  there  is  however  somewhat  different,  it  being  cir- 
cumscribed and  confined  to  a  part  of  the  organs,  while  here  the  inflam- 
mation generally  acts  upon  the  whole  or  greater  part  of  the  structure. 

Causatioti .  —  Acute  hepatitis  in  the  cold  climate  is  probably  more  often 
induced  traumatically,  by  such  influences  as  kicks  and  blows. 

Various  causes  have  been  assigned  by  different  writers,  such  as  excess- 
ive use  of  purgatives,  emetics,  and  exposure  to  cold  and  wet.  The 
disease  has  been  often  known  to  follow  severe  cases  of  dysentery.  Gastric 
inflammation  may  be  the  exciting  cause,  by  interfering  with  the  circula- 
tion in  the  liver.  Acute  hepatitis  may  be  associated  with  other  diseases, 
such  as  pneumonia,  pleurisy  and  distemper. 

The  existing  causes  in  many  instances  must  be  problematical;  the  subject 
requires  much  light  before  the  direct  influences  can  be  detennined. 

Symptoms •.—  At  times  the  symptoms  are  vague,  and  point  to  other 
organs  rather  than  to  the  liver  as  the  seat  of  the  disease.  Persistent  vom- 
iting may  mislead  and  acute  gastritis  be  suspected. 

The  attack  is  very  often  ushered  in  by  a  chill  as  shown  by  shivering, 
but  this  symptom  is  liable  to  be  overlooked.  The  manner  of  the  dog 
changes  materially  soon  after  the  invasion  of  the  disease,  becoming  dull 
and  listless.     His  appetite  usually  at  once  disappears,  and  he  manifests 


84  DISEASES  OF  THE  SOLID  ORGANS  OF  THE  ABDOMEN. 

an  appearance  of  discomfort,  very  marked  in  a  proportion  of  cases,  from 
which  it  might  be  inferred  he  was  suffering  from  pain.  His  position 
assumed  on  lying  down  is  somewhat  characteristic,  it  being  on  his  chest 
and  belly.  He  shows  a  disinclination  to  exertion  and  on  getting  up  his 
movements  appear  stiff  and  painful.  Thirst  is  usually  excessive ;  vomiting 
attends  a  certain  proportion  of  cases  and  the  odor  of  the  breath  becomes 
markedly  offensive.  The  condition  of  the  bowels  is  not  indicative ;  loose- 
ness occurs  in  some,  and  in  other  cases  the  bowels  are  constipated ;  the 
two  may  alternate. 

Unless  the  attack  be  associated  with  pulmonary  disease,  the  respiration 
is  at  first  unaffected.  Fever  is  a  constant  symptom ;  the  pulse  becomes 
full,  bounding,  and  rapid.  Tenderness  on  pressure  over  the  liver  is  char- 
acteristic. 

Jaundice  appears  quite  early  in  the  disease,  generally  within  four  days 
after  the  first  symptoms  are  manifested.  The  skin  becomes  yellow,  the 
eyes  of  the  same  tint,  or  dull  and  lustreless ;  the  mucous  membrane  of 
the  mouth  paler,  the  urine  darker  in  color  leaving  an  indelible  stain,  and 
the  discharges  are  "clay  colored."  The  pulse  previously  rapid  now  falls, 
sometimes  below  the  normal.  The  enlargement  of  the  liver  or  a  swelling 
in  some  part  of  it  now  very  likely  appears,  but  its  increase  in  size  may 
not  in  all  cases  be  sufficient  to  be  appreciated. 

The  course  of  the  disease  is  usually  rapid,  and  may  terminate  in  abscess, 
recovery  without  abscess,  or  resolve  into  the  chronic  form.  When  death 
occurs  from  abscess,  a  swelling  over  the  region  of  the  liver  can  usually  be 
determined.  Emaciation  is  rapid  and  associated  with  the  usual  signs  of 
failure  and  exhaustion.  The  breathing  changes,  becoming  quick  and  hur- 
ried; the  pulse  weak  and  feeble.  The  bowels  assume  the  appearance  of 
pregnancy. 

"Diagnosis.  —Early  in  the  disease  the  diagnosis  is  exceedingly  difficult 
in  many  cases ;  in  none  will  it  be  easy.  The  manner  of  the  attack,  the  loss 
of  appetite,  the  high  fever,  the  local  tenderness  and  evident  pain,  and  the 
occurrence  of  jaundice,  render  the  existence  of  acute  hepatitis  highly 
probable.  If  in  addition  to  these  symptoms  the  liver  is  found  to  be  en- 
larged, the  diagnosis  may  be  made  with  reasonable  certainty. 

Prognosis.—  Acute  hepatitis  is  a  disease  attended  with  great  danger, 
and  will  in  nearly  all  cases  prove  fatal  if  an  abscess  forms.  When  asso- 
ciated with  other  diseases  the  danger  is  intensified.  Even  if  recovery 
takes  place  convalescence  is  apt  to  be  slow  and  tedious. 

Treatment.  —The  purposes  of  treatment  are  to  arrest  inflammation, 
thereby  preventing  the  formation  of  abscess. 

The  amount  of  pain  and  constitutional  disturbance  will  indicate  the  use 
of  opium,  which  should  be  given  in  the  form  of  Dover's  powder;  dose  five 


ACUTE  HEPATITIS.  85 

grains  every  six  or  eight  hours.  If  a  correct  diagnosis  of  the  disease  could 
be  made  within  a  few  hours  of  its  invasion,  the  better  treatment  would  be 
to  give  the  tartrate  of  antimony  and  potassa,  in  one  sixteenth  grain  doses 
every  two  hours  for  two  or  three  days,  when  there  is*  much  excitement  of 
circulation,  a  full,  bounding  pulse,  and  much  fever.  Unfortunately  how- 
ever, in  many  cases  several  days  will  elapse  before  a  diagnosis  is  verified, 
then  it  is  too  late  to  use  the  drug  in  question. 

Mercury  is  supposed  to  increase  the  secretion  of  bile,  and  did  we  believe 
this  to  be  so,  its  use  in  this  disease  would  be  of  doubtful  propriety.  The 
doctrine  that  this  agent  acts  in  the  manner  supposed  is  open  to  distrust. 
Of  the  modus  operandi  of  mercury  we  know  nothing,  except  that  it  prob- 
ably acts  through  the  medium  of  circulation,  and  it  exerts  a  peculiar 
power  which  enables  it  to  subvert  diseased  actions. 

Where  blood-letting  is  generally   inadmissible,   one  of  the  measures 
most  to  be  relied  upon,  is  the  very  cautious  employment  of  mercury.  It  is 
therefore  advised  that  the  following  be  given.— 
R    Pil.  Hydrarg.       gr.v 
Pulv.  Ipecac.       gr.ij 
Ft.  Pil.  No.  xij.    Dose  one  four  times  daily. 
These  pills  should  be  persisted  in  unless  some  indication    presents  to 
contra-indicate  their  use,  or  an  abscess  begins  to  form.     If  the  bowels 
remain  constipated,  one  or  two  grains  of  the  extract  of  colocynth  can  be 
added  to  each  pill. 

Counter-irritation  should  be  applied  over  the  region  of  the  liver,  a  strong 
mustard  paste  used  first,  and  after  the  skin  has  become  well  reddened,  hot 
poultices  of  flaxseed  meal  should  be  substituted. 

After  the  inflammation  has  subsided  two  grains  of  the  extract  of  tarax- 
icum  can  be  added  to  each  pill.  The  system  must  be  sustained  from  the 
first  by  a  nutritious  and  concentrated  diet,  and  a  careful  avoidance  of  all 
fatty  food. 


86  DISEASES  OF  THE  SOLID  ORGANS  OF  THE  ABDOMEN. 

Chronic  Hepatitis. 

It  is  stated  by  some  that  chronic  hepatitis  may  he  a  sequel  of  acute 
inflammation  of  the  liver.  This  seems  probable,  and  yet  from  the  peculiar 
nature  of  the  disorder,  in  but  few  cases  can  the  point  of  departure  from 
the  normal  to  the  morbid  changes  be  traced  with  sufficient  accuracy  to 
assign  a  cause  beyond  a  reasonable  doubt. 

Symptoms .  —The  disease  as  a  rule  gives  rise  to  few  or  no  symptoms 
which  point  to  the  liver  as  the  seat  of  disease,  prior  to  the  occurrence  of 
abdominal  enlargement.  Preceding  this  manifestation  the  appetite  is 
usually  lessened,  the  manner  of  the  animal  often  dull  and  heavy,  and 
emaciation  is  progressive.  As  loss  of  weight  persists  the  abdomen  be- 
comes distended,  rendering  the  general  appearance  highly  characteristic 
of  the  disease. 

In  the  majority  of  cases  the  tongue  becomes  white,  and  the  mucous 
membrane  of  the  mouth  and  lips  loses  its  healthy  color,  becoming  pale 
and  yellowish.  Jaundice  in  a  certain  degree  occurs  in  some  cases,  it  is 
however  rarely  very  marked. 

The  breath  is  usually  offensive;  the  eyes  are  dull  and  heavy.  Vomiting 
is  quite  frequent,  the  matter  ejected  often  greenish.  The  urine  is  scanty 
and  high  colored,  and  the  bowels  constipated.  As  emaciation  progresses 
the  skin  becomes  thickened,  rough,  and  scaly;  the  hair  dry  and  brashy. 
Until  the  abdominal  distension  is  sufficient  to  mechanically  interfere  with 
respiration,  the  breathing  is  unchanged.  The  pulse  varies  but  little  until 
late  in  the  disease. 

In  certain  cases  instead  of  enlargement  of  the  liver  it  may  be  reduced  in 
size;  the  distension  which  then  occurs  is  due  to  abdominal  dropsy. 

Diagnosis .  — It  ought  not  be  difficult  to  make  a  correct  diagnosis  after 
important  changes  commence  in  the  liver.  If  that  organ  is  enlarged  its 
outlines  may  be  traced  by  firm  pressure  with  the  hand,  and  the  shape  of 
the  abdomen  is  characteristic.  When  the  animal  is  on  his  feet  the  en- 
largement is  carried  higher,  and  there  is  not  that  pendulous  or  hanging 
down  appearance  noted  in  dropsy,  the  disease  with  which  chronic  hepatitis 
may  be  confounded.  In  the  former  affection  the  shape  of  the  abdomen 
would  not  be  retained  when  the  animal  lies  down,  while  in  the  latter  it 
would  remain  much  the  same. 

In  dropsy  occurring  independent  of  liver  affections,  the  abdomen  is 
rarely  alone  involved ;  other  parts  are  soon  affected  by  the  disease.  When 
jaundice  appears,  other  symptoms  being  present,  the  diagnosis  if  previ- 
ously doubtful  ought  to  be  made  with  reasonable  certainty. 

prognosis.  — The  disease  if  extended  is  incurable.  Something  may  be 
done  in  some  cases  to  improve  the  animal  and  arrest  the  progress  of  the 


CHRONIC  HEPATITIS.  87 

affection,  but  the  result  of  efforts  must  generally  prove  unsatisfactory. 

Treatment.  —No  specific  treatment  can  be  suggested.  Remedies  should 
be  addressed  to  the  general  system  rather  than  the  local  affection.  Tonics 
and  nutritious  food  are  indicated  to  combat  depressing  influences,  and 
symptoms  of  prominence  demand  individual  treatment. 

If  the  animal  is  debilitated,  ferruginous  tonics  promise  the  better  results; 
the  tincture  of  the  chloride,  or  the  syrup  of  the  iodide  of  iron  may  be  given 
three  times  a  day  in  fifteen  drop  doses. 

Mercury  is  an  agent  which  theory  would  suggest  in  chronic  disorders  of 
the  liver.  In  this  disease  it  should  be  given  a  fair  trial,  and  the  effects 
carefully  watched.  To  obviate  any  depressing  influence  it  may  exert,  iron 
may  be  combined  and  given  as  follows.— 

R    Mass.  Hydrarg.  gr.x 

Ferri  Sulph.  Exsic.   gr.xxx 
Ft.  Pil.  No.  xxx.    Sig.  Dose  one  three  times  daily. 
During  the  use  of  the  pills  all  other  medicine  should  be  discontinued  and 
the  mercurial  be  given  a  fair  trial.    If  the  results  are  negative  the  treat- 
ment should  not  be  prolonged. 

WTien  constipation  exists  a  laxative  rather  than  a  cathartic  should  be 
given,  but  only  when  needed.  Podophyllin  is  a  remedy  advised  by  some; 
it  is  inferred  that  their  reasons  of  its  use  is  some  theory  they  entertain 
that  it  has  a  specific  action  on  the  liver.  There  do  not  appear  sufficient 
grounds  to  affirm  that  the  drug  has  any  such  special  powers. 

For  the  purpose  of  overcoming  constipation  the  following  pills  are 
advised.— 

R    Extract.  Aloes  3ss 

Ext.  Colchici  Acet.  gr.x 

Pulv.  Ipecac.  gr.x 

Ext.  Taraxaci.  3i 

Ft.  Pil.  No.  xx.    Sig.  Dose  one  at  night. 


88  DISEASES  OF  THE  SOLID  ORGANS  OF  THE  ABDOMEN. 

F&TTY  Liver. 

The  term  is  used  to  denote  a  morbid  condition  of  the  liver  increased  in 
size  by  the  excessive  accumulation  of  fat,  sufficient  to  interfere  with  the 
healthy  action  of  that  organ.  Observation  has  shown  that  the  quantity  of 
fat  contained  in  the  livers  of  dogs  is  influenced  by  the  diet,  and  a  large  quan- 
tity may  be  accounted  for  by  that  which  is  taken  in  with  the  food.  Fat  is 
however  found  in  the  body  independently  of  that  which  is  introduced  by 
the  stomach  as  experimental  observation  has  proved.  Oily  matters  must 
essentially  enter  to  some  extent  into  the  composition  of  the  food,  in  order 
to  maintain  the  animal  in  a  good  condition. 

All  flesh  and  vegetable  substances  contain  more  or  less  fats  which  are  not 
transported  into  the  body  to  be  deposited  there  unchanged.  On  the  con- 
trary they  are  altered  and  used  up  in  the  processes  of  digestion  and  nutri- 
tion ;  while  the  fats  which  appear  in  the  body  are  in  great  part  of  new 
formation,  produced  from  materials  derived  from  a  variety  of  sources. 

Fatty  liver  rarely  if  ever  occurs  as  an  independent  affection  and  its  im- 
portance as  relates  to  disease  has  never  been  determined.  The  presence 
of  fats  in  an  abnormal  quantity,  in  the  secreting  cells  of  the  liver,  might 
by  their  presence  seriously  interfere  with  circulation,  and  might  in  ex- 
treme cases  be  sufficient  to  obstruct  the  bile  and  occasion  slight  jaundice. 
The  cause  of  the  disease  under  consideration  is  no  doubt  largely  influ- 
enced by  fatty  food,  conjoined  with  insufficient  exercise;  the  method  of 
the  accumulation  of  oily  matters  in  the  liver  being  much  the  same  as  in 
the  production  of  the  "foie  gras"  of  geese. 

Insufficient  material  for  the  study  of  the  disease  when  it  occurs  inde- 
pendently of  other  affections  leaves  but  an  imperfect  knowledge  of  the 
sj^mptoms. 

Impaired  digestion,  vomiting,  progressive  emaciation,  loss  of  strength, 
and  slight  jaundice  later  in  the  disease,  are  the  common  evidences  of  fatty 
liver.  If  the  organ  is  much  enlarged  the  fact  can  be  determined,  but  the 
increase  in  some  cases  is  insufficient  to  be  detected,  and  it  is  to  be  remem- 
bered that  a  diminution  in  size  may  occur  from  the  accumulation  of  fat  in 
the  secreting  cells. 

In  the  treatment  abuses  are  to  be  corrected,  over  eating  prevented,  fatty 
food  excluded  from  the  diet,  exercise  insisted  upon,  and  tonics  should  be 
given  if  the  need  is  apparent. 

That  starchy  food  has  certain  fattening  properties  is  well  known;  it  is 
not  certain  however  whether  the  constituents  of  the  same  are  directly 
converted  into  fat,  or  are  first  taken  up  and  distributed  in  the  system,  and 
afterwards  supply  the  materials  for  its  production.  When  the  allowance  of 
saccharine  matters  is  restricted,  the  decrease  in  weight  is  more  rapid. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SOLID  ORGANS  OF  THE  ABDOMEN         89 

JAUNDICE. 

The  presence  of  biliary  coloring  matter  in  sufficient  quantity  to  give  a 
yellow  color  to  the  skin,  constitutes  the  diseased  condition  known  as 
icterus  or  jaundice.  Strictly  it  is  never  an  individual  affection,  it  being  a 
symptom,  and  incidental  to  various  disorders. 

Jaundice  often  appears  when  its  cause  cannot  be  clearly  determined; 
again,  it  is  an  important  morbid  condition,  convenience  in  considering 
which  demands  special  recognition  and  classification.  In  considering  it 
as  an  individual  disease,  cases  are  to  be  excluded  in  which  it  occurs  with 
an  affection,  the  existence  of  which  is  clearly  determined. 

In  acute  and  chronic  hepatitis  and  certain  constitutional  diseases  it  is 
to  be  regarded  merely  as  a  symptom. 

Causation.— \\\  a  great  majority  of  cases  jaundice  depends  on  obstruct- 
ion of  the  passage  of  the  bile  to  the  intestine. 

From  obvious  facts  it  is  reasoned  that  more  commonly  the  bile  is  reab- 
sorbed after  the  secretion  of  it  has  taken  place.  Defective  secretion  how- 
ever, either  with  or  without  obstruction  doubtless  occurs,  and  the  constit- 
uents of  the  bile  accumulate  in  the  blood  if  not  thrown  out  by  some 
unusual  channel. 

It  is  conjectured  that  more  or  less  of  those  indefinite  symptoms  which 
are  commonly  included  under  the  name  "biliousness,"  are  due  to  a  defi- 
cient elimination  of  the  bile  or  at  least  one  of  its  elements. 

The  more  apparent  exciting  causes  are  over  fatigue,  the  indiscriminate 
use  of  powerful  emetics  and  cathartics,  indigestion,  obstinate  constipa- 
tion, traumatic  injuries,  and  sudden  chills. 

When  the  functions  of  the  skin  are  arrested  by  cold  there  are  two  ways 
in  which  disease  is  supposed  to  be  produced.  One  relates  to  the  circula- 
tion ;  the  blood  being  driven  from  the  surface  accumulates  in  the  internal 
organs  inducing  congestion. 

The  other  method  of  action  relates  to  the  increased  activity  demanded 
of  certain  organs,  to  compensate  for  the  deficient  elimination  of  the  skin. 
It  is  to  be  remembered  that  the  skin  is  an  important  medium,  through 
which  matters  proper  to  be  evacuated  from  the  body  are  expelled.  Again 
any  material  change  in  the  condition  of  the  skin  affects  the  perspiration, 
the  office  of  which  is  principally  to  regulate  the  temperature  of  the  body. 

Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  disease  may  not  infrequently  originate  from  the 
action  of  cold  applied  to  the  surface  of  the  body,  as  in  sudden  immersions 
in  water  and  too  rapid  cooling  after  a  hard  run;  the  radical  and  rapid 
changes  of  temperature  being  the  most  active. 

Some  authors  include  fighting  and  prolonged  sport  among  the  causes  of 
jaundice.    While  the  direct  action  of  these  influences  is  unexplained,  it 


90  JAUNDICE. 

can  however  be  appreciated,  that  in  a  variety  of  ways  irritation  and  ex- 
citement  can  induce  changes  in  the  system,  sufficient  to  give  rise  to  the 
disease  under  consideration. 

Symptoms.  —  The  signs  in  the  earlier  stage  are  vague  and  confusing. 
The  manner  of  the  animal  changes,  he  becoming  dull,  languid,  and  averse 
to  exertion.  The  reabsorbed  bile  appears  to  exert  a  narcotic  influence 
on  the  nervous  system,  producing  dulness,  a  disposition  to  sleep,  a  fall  in 
the  pulse,  and  a  torpid  condition  in  the  functions  of  the  body  generally. 
The  nose,  mouth,  and  breath  are  hot  and  dry;  the  abdomen  hard,  and  back 
arched.    The  coat  loses  its  glossy  look  and  becomes  dry  and  staring. 

As  the  bile  exerts  its  influence  on  circulation,  the  respirations  become 
less  frequent.  In  some  cases  a  disposition  to  constantly  scratch  is  noted. 
The  appetite  disappears,  thirst  becomes  excessive,  and  vomiting  frequent; 
the  matter  expelled  being  greenish  and  at  times  in  extreme  cases  bloody. 
Pain  is  at  times  evident  and  colicky  in  character. 

When  tenderness  and  pain  both  exist  in  the  region  of  the  stomach,  it  is 
evidence  of  a  low  type  of  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  lining 
the  stomach  and  upper  part  of  the  intestine. 

Generally  the  bowels  are  constipated,  but  not  always  as  diarrhoea  some- 
times occurs.  The  appearance  of  the  discharges  affords  evidence  as  to 
whether  the  obstruction  is  complete  or  partial. 

In  the  former  the  passages  are  clay-colored  or  ashy,  while  in  the  latter 
they  are  nearer  the  color  in  health.  A  peculiar  fetid  odor  is  noted  in 
discharges  devoid  of  bile.  The  appearance  of  the  yellow  tint  dispels  all 
doubts  as  to  diagnosis  if  the  other  symptoms  have  proved  insufficient. 
The  mucous  membranes  first  show  the  coloring;  the  skin  then  is  rapidly 
affected.  The  urine  in  jaundice  is  loaded  with  bile,  and  when  voided 
leaves  a  decided  stain. 

Nutrition  for  a  time  may  be  but  a  little  affected ;  then  emaciation  is  rapid. 
When  the  disease  progresses  to  a  fatal  termination  the  pulse  falls,  the 
extremities  grow  cold,  the  skin  clammy,  and  death  ensues. 

Diagnosis.  —  The  appearance  of  the  yellowish  tint  renders  the  diagnosis 
positive.  To  determine  the  cause  in  individual  cases  is  far  from  easy. 
The  symptoms  in  the  early  stage  of  the  attack,  viz.,  loss  of  appetite,  vom- 
iting, and  tenderness,  indicate  a  possible  inflammation  of  the  mucous 
membrane  of  the  stomach  and  upper  part  of  the  intestine.  Sometimes 
gall-stones  form  in  the  gall-bladder,  and  in  passing  down  into  the  intestine 
become  lodged  and  obstruct  the  canal ;  pain  of  the  severest  character  is 
the  evidence  of  this  accident. 

Worms  sometimes  cause  obstruction,  but  they  with  certain  other  causes 
can  only  be  determined  at  the  autopsy. 

Prognosis .  —  The  gravity  as  well  as  the  symptoms  depend  on  the  morbid 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SOLID  ORGANS  OF  THE  ABDOMEN.  91 

conditions  which  give  rise  to  the  affection.  The  discharging  duct  or  canal 
leading  from  the  gall-bladder  enters  into  the  intestine  near  the  stomach; 
in  sub-acute  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  lining  these  parts, 
the  irritation  is  liable  to  extend  into  the  duct  and  cause  its  lining  to  become 
swollen,  the  passage  closing  and  becoming  obstructed,  it  being  too  small 
to  admit  of  much  swelling  and  remain  open.  The  prognosis  in  such  cases 
is  favorable.  If  a  gall  stone  becomes  lodged,  recovery  will  depend  entirely 
upon  its  passage  into  the  intestine  or  backward  up  into  the  gall-bladder. 

When  death  occurs  in  jaundice  from  the  retention  of  bile,  the  liver  is  the 
seat  of  serious  disease.  When  permanent  obstruction  exists  without  seri- 
ous structural  changes  elsewhere,  life  may  be  prolonged  and  nutrition 
sustained  for  a  long  time;  sooner  or  later  however,  the  vital  powers  fail, 
the  body  wastes,  exhaustion  follows,  and  death  results.  In  severe  cases 
terminating  fatally  the  disease  runs  a  rapid  course,  the  duration  generally 
being  from  three  to  five  days. 

2'reatment.  —It  is  to  be  remembered  that  in  the  majority  of  cases  jaun- 
dice is  due  to  a  sub-acute  inflammation  of  the  stomach  and  adjoining 
portion  of  the  intestine,  and  the  natural  tendency  of  the  disease  is  to 
recovery.  In  diet  and  medication  all  influences  calculated  to  add  to,  or 
prolong  the  irritation  must  be  studiously  withheld.  Unless  the  urgency 
of  symptoms  demands  a  more  vigorous  treatment,  a  bland  and  digestible 
diet  with  gentle  laxatives  will  suffice. 

Calcined  magnesia  should  be  given  in  teaspoonful  doses  in  milk  two  or 
three  times  daily  to  keep  the  bowels  active.  All  fatty  food  should  be 
withheld,  and  milk  and  gruels  largely  be  depended  upon.  If  pain  exists 
opiates  should  be  employed. 

The  attacks  which  occasionally  occur  resembling  colic,  are  at  times  due 
to  the  formation  of  gas ;  by  the  absence  of  bile  the  contents  of  the  intestines 
are  no  longer  influenced  by  its  antiseptic  property,  decompose  and  gas  is 
generated. 

In  severe  attacks  of  jaundice  in  which  the  constitutional  symptoms 
indicate  gravity,  the  need  is  urgent  and  the  treatment  must  be  energetic 
and  immediately  applied.  The  animal  should  be  placed  in  a  warm  room, 
it  being  remembered  the  skin  must  be  protected  from  cold,  lest  its  elimi- 
native  functions  be  destroyed,  and  one  avenue  through  which  the  bile  can 
be  thrown  out  of  the  system  be  closed.  Calomel  is  the  agent  most  to  be 
depended  upon,  and  should  be  given  in  doses  of  one  half  a  grain  each,  four 
times  a  day.  Rather  than  combine  the  calomel  with  laxatives  it  is  wiser 
to  give  them  separately  and  only  as  the  need  is  apparent.  Hot  baths  if 
needed  will  increase  the  activity  of  the  skin,  and  sweet  spirits  of  nitre  in 
one  half  teaspoonful  doses,  given  in  water  every  two  or  three  hours,  stim- 
ulates the  kidneys.     Food  should  be  milk,  eggs,  scraped  beef,  and  broths. 


92         DISEASES  OF  THE  SOLID  ORGANS  OF  THE  ABDOMEN. 

Torpor  of  the  Liver. 

Functional  disturbances  of  the  liver  are  very  common  among  dogs.  The 
character  of  their  food,  irregularities  in  feeding,  and  insufficient  exercise, 
promote  a  disorder  which  may  he  termed  torpor  of  the  liver,  or  as  more 
commonly  designated  biliousness.  Properly  torpor  in  this  instance  means 
a  deficient  secretion  of  bile;  still  the  term  is  often  used  in  cases  "where  the 
morbid  condition  is  somewhat  obscure.  Over  feeding,  indigestible  food, 
various  irregularities,  insufficient  exercise,  and  over  fatigue  are  among 
the  more  evident  causes. 

Symptoms .  — Dulness  of  manner,  offensive  breath,  capricious  appetite, 
whitened  tongue,  and  at  times  a  hot  nose  are  among  the  prominent  symp- 
toms. Constipation  may  exist  for  a  time,  to  be  followed  by  a  diarrhoea. 
In  the  former  instance  the  discharges  are  hard  and  sometimes  clay-col- 
ored ;  in  the  latter  loose,  greenish,  black  or  tarry  in  appearance. 

The  coat  of  the  animal  loses  that  bright  characteristic  gloss,  becomes 
rougher  and  lustreless,  and  at  times  a  skin  eruption  called  eczema  is 
asssociated. 

An  animal  suffering  from  simple  functional  disorder  of  the  liver,  shows 
no  very  marked  symptoms;  still  it  is  evident  to  an  observer  some  ailment 
is  depressing  him.  Under  excitement  his  manner  changes  and  nothing 
irregular  is  apparent,  but  when  food  is  placed  before  him,  or  while  in  his 
kennel  or  about  the  house,  he  again  becomes  dull  and  listless. 

2'reatmenl.  —  Correcting  all  abuses  are  the  first  indications  in  treatment. 
Food  should  be  allowed  but  twice  a  day  and  then  the  simplest  diet  be 
chosen.  If  the  animal  has  been  restrained,  greater  freedom  should  be 
allowed,  and  exercise  if  necessary  be  insisted  upon. 

Taraxacum  or  dandelion,  it  is  generally  accepted,  has  a  specific  action 
upon  the  liver,  exciting  it  to  secretion  when  torpid.  One  dose  of  this  daily 
should  be  given,  the  freshly  prepared  extract  preferred,  and  of  it  one  half 
a  teaspoonful  is  the  proper  quantity.  After  this  has  been  administered,  if 
the  bowels  are  inclined  to  constipation,  one  half  a  teaspoonful  of  calcined 
magnesia  may  be  given  with  the  food,  once  or  twice  daily  as  needed. 

That  alkaline  remedies  have  a  decided  influence  on  the  composition  of 
the  bile  has  been  shown  by  Lewaschcw  and  Klikowitsch.  Their  experi- 
ments were  made  on  dogs  with  permanent  fistulas  leading  to  the  gall-blad- 
der. After  the  administration  of  alkaline  solutions  the  flow  of  bile  was 
measurably  increased.  It  was  observed  that  different  results  were  ob- 
tained from  solutions  of  different  degrees  of  concentration.  Thus,  carbon- 
ate of  sodium  had  a  more  rapid,  powerful,  and  lasting  influence  on  the 
composition  of  the  bile  than  the  sulphate  of  sodium.  Solutions  of  weak 
strength  were  more  powerful  than  those  of  higher  concentration. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SOLID  ORGANS  OF  THE  ABDOMEN.         93 

<Pass&GE  of  G&LL  Stones. 

The  terra  calculus  denotes  a  stone  or  gravel,  or  unorganized  concretion 
found  in  the  hody,  as  in  the  bladder,  gall-ducts,  kidneys,  etc.  Biliary  cal- 
culi are  usually  formed  in  the  gall-bladder,  and  their  passage  down  the 
duct  or  canal  into  the  intestine  is  if  they  are  large,  attended  with  the 
severest  pain.  The  reasons  for  their  formation  are  not  understood;  it  is 
presumed  that  certain  constituents  of  the  bile  are  deposited  in  conse- 
quence of  the  presence  of  mucus  in  the  gall-bladder  or  ducts,  as  the  result 
of  inflammation.  Other  reasons  are  assigned,  but  sufficient  evidence  to 
substantiate  these  theories  is  yet  to  be  secured. 

Symptoms .  —  The  presence  of  calculi  in  the  gall-bladder  cannot  be  deter- 
mined until  their  passage  out  is  commenced,  and  then  only  when  they  are 
of  sufficient  size  to  distend  the  walls  of  the  canal.  Pain  is  the  prominent 
symptom  and  is  of  so  violent  a  character  in  some  cases  the  suffering  is 
extreme.  The  occurrence  of  the  pain  is  usually  abrupt,  no  indications  of 
ill  health  preceding  it. 

Vomiting  sets  in  early  and  continues  throughout  the  attack.  The  expres- 
sion and  manner  of  the  animal  are  indicative  of  the  great  distress  he  is 
experiencing.  The  bowels  are  constipated,  and  in  many  cases  if  a  move- 
ment occurs  the  discharges  are  clay-colored.  Unless  the  attack  is  of  long 
continuance  the  pulse  shows  but  little  change  from  the  normal.  The  pain 
may  be  persistent  without  intermission,  or  it  may  take  on  a  paroxysmal 
form,  vary  in  intensity  and  Anally  end  as  abruptly  as  it  first  appeared. 

Treatment.—  Opium  in  full  doses  is  the  only  agent  to  be  relied  upon. 
Astonishing  quantities  of  this  drug  will  be  borne  and  little  or  no  effect  be 
observed.  Of  the  solid  opium  the  dose  is  one  grain  every  two  or  three 
hours  or  until  the  pain  is  controlled.  If  vomiting  contra-indicates  its  use 
by  the  mouth,  one  eighth  of  a^grain  of  morphine  should  be  given  subcu- 
taneously  or  double  that  dose  by  anal  injection.  If  relief  is  not  secured 
by  this  treatment  the  animal  should  be  etherized  and  kept  so  for  a  time, 
then  allowed  to  return  to  consciousness,  and  if  the  pain  still  persists  the 
ether  should  be  re-applied.  It  must  be  remembered  that  opiates  need  to 
be  given  with  great  care  and  not  too  often.  While  the  pain  is  intense  it 
antagonizes  the  narcotics  and  no  harm  results,  but  the  gall-stone  may  sud- 
denly pass  from  the  duct  into  the  intestine  and  then  the  pain  will  at  once 
cease.  If  the  system  is  too  heavily  loaded  with  opium,  its  antidote  the 
pain  being  no  longer  present,  the  result  is  poisoning  by  the  drug. 

Various  agents  have  been  suggested  to  act  as  a  solvent  on  the  calculi 
and  thereby  pre"V  ent  a  recurrence  of  pain,  which  is  almost  certain  to  follow 
sooner  or  later,  but  it  has  not  been  proven  that  their  use  has  resulted  in 
marked  success. 


94  DISEASES  OF  THE  SOLID  ORGANS  OF  THE  ABDOMEN. 

Cancer  of  the  Live®. 

Cases  are  on  record  where  the  liver  has  been  the  seat  of  cancerous 
changes,  proving  the  possibility  of  such  ah  affection  invading  that  organ. 
The  disease  in  nearly  all  if  not  all  cases,  attacks  other  parts  or  organs  of 
the  body  first,  and  the  changes  in  the  liver  are  of  secondary  occurrence. 

It  has  been  found  circumscribed  or  confined  to  certain  portions  of  the 
organ,  and  appeared  in  the  form  of  nodules  or  tumors  varying  in  size. 
Sometimes  a  tumor  has  been  found  to  occur  singly,  again  the  whole  liver 
has  been  studded  with  them. 

Cancerous  deposits  take  on  two  varieties  which  are  termed  the  hard  and 
the  soft.  With  either  the  liver  is  usually  enlarged,  and  when  the  former 
exists  its  presence  can  be  more  easily  determined,  the  hard  tumors  being 
felt.    The  soft  variety  can  rarely  be  detected  during  life. 

Cancer  of  the  liver  rarely  occurs  except  in  very  old  dogs.  If  the  bulging 
tumors  can  be  felt,  a  correct  diagnosis  might  be  reached.  The  general 
manifestations  of  the  disease  are  progressive  emaciation,  debility,  abdom- 
inal enlargement,  and  possibly  jaundice  late  in  the  affection. 

Dropsy  of  the  extremities  is  also  liable  to  occur.  Digestion  is  destroyed 
and  the  appetite  lost.  Diarrhoea  usually  occurs,  and  all  the  signs  of  ex- 
haustion are  present.    Pain  may  be  prominent  as  a  symptom. 

Treatment  can  have  no  other  result  than  palliation,  and  possibly  the 
prolongation  of  life. 


Affections  of  the  S<pleen. 

The  special  function  of  the  spleen  has  never  been  clearly  determined; 
like  other  glands  its  action  is  to  modify  the  constitution  of  the  blood.  The 
precise  alteration  which  is  effected  by  its  passage  through  splenic  tissue 
has  not  been  discovered.  The  spleen  may  be  removed  from  a  dog  without 
its  loss  producing  any  permanent  injury.  The  experiment  has  been  fre- 
quently performed,  and  among  the  most  constant  effects  noted  are  increase 
of  appetite  and  an  unnatural  ferocity  of  disposition. 

The  spleen  cannot  therefore  be  regarded  as  a  single  organ,  but  as  asso- 
ciated with  others  which  may  completely  or  to  a  great  extent  perform  its 
function  after  removal. 

Acute  inflammation  of  the  spleen  or  splenitis  is  an  exceedingly  rare 
affection.  The  symptoms  which  have  been  observed  are  restlessness, 
tenderness  over  the  organ,  some  fever,  loss  of  appetite,  vomiting,  great 
thirst,  and  as  Youatt  observes,  "  shivering,  the  ears  cold,  the  eyes  unnat- 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SOLID  ORGANS  OF  THE  ABDOMEN    <      95 

urally  protuberant,  the  nostrils  dilated,  the  flanks  agitated,  the  respiration 
accelerated,  and  the  mucous  membrane  pale."  The  same  author  mentions 
a  discharge  of  a  yellow,  frothy  mucus  by  vomiting.  By  this  it  might  be 
implied  that  in  those  cases  an  abscess  had  formed  in  the  spleen  and  the 
pus  was  expelled  by  vomiting. 

The  disease  will  rarely  ever  be  diagnosed  during  life,  and  were  it,  the 
general  principles  of  treatment  would  be  much  the  same  as  in  acute  in- 
flammations of  other  organs  similar  in  structure. 

In  certain  diseases  of  the  general  system,  and  in  some  affections  of  other 
organs  the  spleen  becomes  enlarged  for  a  time  and  then  returns  to  its 
normal  size. 

Chronic  enlargement  of  this  gland,  unless  it  be  greatly  increased  in  size, 
is  rarely  attended  with  any  symptoms  to  indicate  the  condition.  Were  it 
to  be  discovered  and  clearly  diagnosed  the  treatment  would  be  symptom- 
atic, and  the  same  as  in  chronic  hepatitis. 

The  spleen  takes  on  degenerative  changes  in  common  with  the  liver, 
but  a  consideration  of  them  can  be  of  no  possible  interest  or  profit  to  the 
general  reader. 


Diseases  of  the  (Pajvc&Eas. 

While  the  fact  is  recognized  that  the  pancreas  may  be  the  seat  of  inflam- 
mation as  in  the  other  glandular  organs,  the  liver,  kidneys,  etc.,  it  is  also 
apparent  a  correct  diagnosis  of  morbid  changes  must  be  so  difficult  it 
would  be  useless  to  discuss  them  at  any  length  in  this  work.  Of  all  organs 
similarly  constructed  probably  the  pancreas  is  the  least  liable  to  inflam- 
mations. Doubtless  they  take  on  much  the  same  degenerative  changes 
observed  elsewhere,  and  are  secondarily  involved  by  the  extension  of  dis- 
eases in  adjacent  parts.  t 

A  discharge  of  fat  from  the  bowels  is  supposed  to  be  a  diagnostic  symp- 
tom of  pancreatic  disorder,  but  there  is  no  reliable  evidence  to  sustain 
this  opinion,  based  as  it  is  solely  on  the  known  physiological  action  of 
the  pancreatic  juice.  That  it  is  the  active  agent  in  the  digestion  of  oily 
substances  has  been  fully  demonstrated  by  M.  Bernard  and  others.  The 
peculiar  effect  of  the  juice  when  brought  in  contact  with  oily  matters,  is 
to  separate  them  into  minute  globules ;  the  mixture  being  converted  into 
a  white,  creamy-looking  fluid.  No  chemical  change  occurs ;  the  oil  in  this 
process  may  be  said  to  have  been  digested  and  made  ready  for  absorp- 
tion. The  appearance  of  fat  unchanged  in  the  discharges  leads  to  the 
belief  that  disease  of  the  pancreas  exists. 


96        FUNCTIONS  OF  THE  LIVER.  — DIGESTION  OF  STARCH. 

SUG&ZI  ijv  the  Liver. 

Besides  the  secretion  of  bile,  the  liver  performs  another  important  func- 
tion, viz.,  the  production  of  sugar.  While  a  consideration  of  this  subject 
is  not  essential  to  the  doctrine  of  diseases,  certain  facts  pertaining  to  it 
as  discovered  by  M.  Claude  Bernard,  may  be  of  interest. 

So  far  as  is  known  the  presence  of  sugar  in  the  liver  is  common  to  all 
species  of  animals.  The  average  percentage  in  the  healthy  liver  of  man 
and  the  dog  is  about  the  same. 

The  system  does  not  depend  for  its  supply  of  sugar  entirely  upon  exter- 
nal sources;  saccharine  matter  is  produced  independently  in  the  tissues 
of  the  liver,  whatever  may  be  the  nature  of  the  food  subsisted  upon. 
Bernard  kept  two  dogs  under  his  own  observation,  one  for  a  period  of 
three,  the  other  of  eight  months,  during  which  time  they  were  confined 
strictly  to  a  diet  of  animal  food,  boiled  calves'  head  and  tripe,  and  then 
killed.  Upon  an  examination,  the  liver  was  found  in  each  instance  to  con- 
tain a  proportion  of  sugar  fully  equal  to  that  present  in  the  organ  under 
ordinary  circumstances. 

In  considering  this  sugar  producing  function,  an  important  question 
naturally  arises,  bearing  upon  the  proper  feeding  of  dogs.  It  has  been 
maintained  by  some  that  starchy  and  saccharine  matters  are  utterly  de- 
testable to  the  canine  race.  A  consideration  of  a  few  facts  will  render 
apparent  that  this  extreme  doctrine  is  untenable. 

While  it  is  certain  starchy  matters  are  not  digested  in  the  stomach,  but 
pass  unchanged  into  the  small  intestine,  experiments  have  proved  beyond 
all  doubts  that  the  intestinal  fluids  of  a  dog  transform  starch  into  sugar 
with  the  greatest  promptitude,  and  it  is  then  as  rapidly  absorbed.  If  a  dog 
is  fed  on  boiled  starch  and  meat,  while  some  of  the  latter  remains  in  his 
stomach  for  eight,  nine,  or  ten  hours,  the  starch  begins  immediately  to 
pass  into  the  intestine,  where  it  is  at  once  converted  into  sugar  and  ab- 
sorbed. The  whole  of  the  starch  even  may  have  completely  disappeared 
in  an  hour's  time.  It  is  evident  therefore  that  nature  has  made  ample  pro- 
vision for  the  digestion  of  starchy  food. 

The  writer  maintains  that  while  meat  is  the  proper  food  for  a  dog,  he  as 
strongly  insists  that  starchy  matters  in  small  quantities,  far  from  being 
injurious,  are  really  conducive  to  the  health  of  the  animal.  Although  the 
saccharine  matter  becomes  changed  after  absorption,  these  same  chemical 
changes  themselves  serve  to  maintain  the  integrity  of  the  blood,  and  the 
healthy  nutrition  of  the  body. 


CH&<PTE<R   VIII. 
DISEASES 

OF 

THE  URW&&Y  0&G&WS. 


Nephritis. 

Nephritis  or  inflammation  of  the  kidney  is  a  disease  rarely  met  with  in 
dogs.  Its  infrequency  is  relatively  the  same  as  the  occurrence  of  acute 
inflammations  in  other  glandular  organs. 

Causation.  —It  is  possible  that  nephritis  may  arise  from  the  excessive 
dosing  of  certain  drugs  acting  directly  and  powerfully  on  the  kidneys, 
such  as  saltpetre,  cantharides,  and  turpentine;  the  second  used  in  blisters, 
the  last  in  the  treatment  of  worms. 

Injuries  such  as  kicks  or  blows  over  the  region  of  the  kidneys,  may  in- 
duce the  disease.  Probably  the  more  common  cause  is  exposure  to  cold, 
or  more  especially  the  sudden  cooling  of  an  overheated  body;  shutting 
the  dog  into  a  cold  kennel  after  a  hard  run,  or  allowing  him  to  plunge  into 
the  water  causes  a  violent  contraction  of  the  blood  vessels  of  the  surface 
driving  the  blood  to  the  internal  organs,  producing  in  them  increased 
pressure  and  possibly  congestion. 

The  use  of  certain  ointments  for  mange,  under  some  conditions  may  act 
upon  tho  skin  in  a  manner  somewhat  similar  to  cold,  and  thereby  induce 
the  affection. 

The  formation  of  stone  in  the  kidney,  or  renal  calculus,  might  create  a 
disturbance  and  nephritis  result. 

Symptoms .  —According  to  the  severity  of  the  disease  the  symptoms  will 
vary  greatly.  Fever  may  be  present  in  a  noticeable  degree  in  the  com- 
mencement of  the  attack,  and  it  may  be  absent. 


98  NEPHRITIS. 

"When  the  skin  is  hot  and  the  pulse  runs  high,  vomiting,  complete  loss 
of  appetite,  and  great  depression  are  observed,  indicating  that  the  attack 
is  an  alarming  one.  When  the  disease  is  the  result  of  exposure,  the  febrile 
symptoms  are  more  commonly  observed.  One  of  the  most  notable  changes 
is  in  the  quantity  of  urine  secreted,  it  becoming  very  scanty,  high  colored, 
and  in  the  severer  cases  bloody. 

The  bowels  are  usually  constipated.  The  animal  moves  about  slowlj^ 
and  awkwardly;  in  getting  up  and  lying  down  he  appears  stiff  in  the  loins. 
Pressure  over  the  region  of  the  kidneys  will  cause  the  animal  to  shrink 
from  the  touch. 

Attacks  running  a  fatal  course  usually  terminate  in  convulsions  and  pro- 
found stupor,  due  to  the  retained  poisonous  constituents  of  the  urine. 

?Pror/?iosis.  —The  causes  largely  influence  the  results  in  nephritis.  In. 
simple  uncomplicated  attacks  the  chances  are  in  favor  of  recovery.  When 
a  calculus  exists  in  the  kidney,  or  has  attempted  a  transit  from  it  into  the 
bladder,  and  becoming  lodged  in  the  passage  obstructs  it,  thereby  destroy- 
ing the  active  function  of  that  important  organ,  the  case  is  critical.  The 
same  or  greater  danger  exists  if  nephritis  results  from  an  abscess  in  the 
kidney.  When  convulsions  occur  the  chances  of  recovery  are  very  slight. 

Treatment.  —While  the  kidneys  are  unable  to  perform  their  functions 
other  organs  must  be  stimulated  to  increased  activity;  the  bowels  must 
be  largely  depended  upon.  Unless  grave  symptoms  such  as  convulsions 
or  profound  stupor  exist,  active  purgatives  are  never  admissible.  It  will 
be  noted  when  they  are  employed  that  the  action  of  the  kidneys  is  always 
lessened  by  their  use.  It  is  necessary  therefore  to  so  judiciously  apply 
treatment,  that  while  one  function  is  stimulated  the  other  suffers  no  im- 
pairment. By  administering  cathartics  in  divided  doses  this  end  is  secured. 
The  following  powders  should  be  given.  — 

R    Jalapin  gr.x 

Sodae  Bicarb.      gr.xx 
Ft.  Chart.  No.  xx.  Sig.  Dose  one  every  two  hours  or  until  diarrhoea  results. 

To  keep  the  skin  active  and  secure  its  aid  in  elimination,  the  animal 
should  be  kept  in  a  warm  room  and  uniform  temperature  be  maintained. 
Hot  applications  over  the  loins  by  means  of  the  "  hop  bag"  will  be  found 
grateful  to  the  animal.  Milk  is  the  better  diet  and  may  be  given  freel3r,  as 
it  has  an  especial  action  on  the  kidneys.  Beef  tea,  gruels,  mutton  broth, 
and  scraped  beef  may  also  be  given  to  nourish  and  sustain.  During  con- 
valescence the  tincture  of  the  chloride  of  iron  in  fifteen  drop  doses  is 
indicated. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS.  99 

&CUTE  Cystitis. 

Cystitis  or  acute  inflammation  of  the  bladder,  is  a  disease  uncommon 
among  dogs. 

Probably  the  affection  more  commonly  has  its  origin  in  traumatic  inju- 
ries, such  as  blows,  kicks,  and  crushes.  Chemical  irritants,  among  them 
eantharides  and  turpentine  injudiciously  used,  may  induce  the  disease. 
Among  other  influences  may  be  numbered  chills,  calculi,  and  long  retained 
urine  which  decomposing  becomes  exceedingly  irritating.  Dogs  shipped 
long  distances  and  not  removed  from  their  boxes  for  several  days,  are 
liable  to  contract  cystitis.  An  acute  inflammation  of  the  mucous  mem- 
brane of  the  kidney  may  be  transmitted  along  the  passage  andthe  bladder 
be  involved.  The  disease  may  occur  spontaneously,  no  obvious  cause 
being  apparent. 

Symptoms.  —  Acute  cystitis  usually  manifests  itself  suddenly.  The  gen- 
eral disturbances  are  in  some  cases  marked ;  in  others  the  local  symptoms 
are  the  more  prominent.  Fever,  thirst,  pain,  constipation,  and  often  vom- 
iting are  not  unusual. 

The  frequent  efforts  to  void  the  urine  are  the  first  to  attract  attention. 
The  quantity  passed  at  each  attempt  is  very  small,  often  but  a  few  drops, 
and  at  times  the  attempts  are  ineffectual  and  suppression  is  complete. 
The  urine  voided  may  be  in  appearance  nearly  normal,  but  more  often  it 
is  thick,  dark  reddish  in  color,  and  blood  is  intermingled.  The  pain  and 
distress  are  often  great  as  shown  by  outcries  and  restless  movements. 
When  standing  the  animal's  back  is  arched,  the  abdomen  somewhat  hard, 
possibly  swollen  and  tender  over  the  region  of  the  bladder. 

Wben  the  attack  is  due  to  eantharides,  the  external  genitals  may  be 
affected  by  the  spread  of  the  irritation. 

^Prognosis.  — The  disease  usually  runs  a  rapid  course,  and  if  uncompli- 
cated tends  to  recovery.    Irritation  by  eantharides  soon  subsides. 

When  the  inflammation  is  due  to  calculi,  the  course  will  necessarily  be 
protracted  unless  the  cause  is  removed.  Sometimes  acute  cystitis  may 
eventuate  in  the  chronic  foi-m  of  the  disease. 

Treatment.  —  If  the  attack  is  of  moderate  severity,  reducing  the  diet  to 
milk,  applying  hot  cloths  to  the  loins,  and  keeping  the  animal  in  a  warm 
room  may  suffice.  If  the  pain  is  severe  one  teaspoonful  of  paregoric,  or 
fifteen  drops  of  laudanum  should  be  given  and  repeated  if  needed.  Warm 
injections  thrown  into  the  bowels  afford  some  relief. 

Warm  loin  baths  are  advised  if  the  symptoms  are  severe;  they  should 
be  prolonged  from  one  half  an  hour  to  two  hours,  their  usefulness  depend- 
ing upon  their  duration. 

Some  authors  have  advised  cold  applications  instead  of  warm;  while  the 


100  DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS. 

former  might  act  well  in  some  cases,  they  would  he  unwise  in  others  and 
therefore  should  be  cautiously  used  if  at  all. 

If  no  water  is  passed,  and  the  position  and  actions  of  the  animal  indicate 
great  distress,  then  a  surgeon  should  he  called  in  to  pass  the  catheter. 
After  its  use,  sweet  spirits  of  nitre  in  half  teaspoonful  doses  should  be 
added  to  the  opiate. 

Rectal  suppositories  of  opium  and  belladonna  can  be  used  instead  of 
giving  drugs  by  the  mouth,  if  vomiting  occurs.  These  may  be  made  as 
follows.  — 

R    Pulv.  Opii  gr.xv 

Ext.  Bellad.  gr.ij 

01.  Theobromse    q.  s. 
Ft.  Suppositories  No.  xij.    Sig.  Use  one  from  three  to  six  hours  as  needed 
to  subdue  pain. 

To  introduce  these  properly  the  finger  should  be  oiled,  and  by  it  the  sup- 
pository should  then  be  pushed  well  up  into  the  rectum. 


Chrojyic  Cystitis. 

Chronic  inflammation  of  the  bladder  may  follow  the  acute,  and  may  be 
a- consequence  of  Irritation  from  calculi,  from  repeated  excesses,  and  ex- 
posure to  colds.  Luxuriously  treated  house  pets  and  old  dogs  are  more 
prone  to  the  disease. 

Any  impediment  to  the  flow  of  urine,  owing  to  stricture  of  the  external 
passage  from  enlarged  prostate  or  other  causes,  may  give  rise  to  obstinate 
cystitis.  In  the  same  manner  in  paralysis  the  disorder  may  be  developed. 

Symptoms.  —  The  affection  in  the  majority  of  cases  comes  on  slowly. 
The  increased  frequency  in  passing  the  urine  soon  becomes  noticeable,  the 
quantity  voided  being  small  but  nearly  normal  in  appearance.  As  the  dis- 
ease progresses  the  symptoms  increase  in  severity,  the  efforts  to  pass  the 
water  are  frequent,  attended  with  pain,  and  but  a  few  drops  are  expelled 
at  each  attempt. 

The  urine  now  changes  in  its  appearance ;  at  first  it  is  cloudy,  then  a 
mixture  of  mucus  and  pus  is  added,  frequently  tinged  with  blood.  As  the 
disease  advances  the  quantity  of  mucus  becomes  great,  the  urine  voided 
assumes  a  brownish  hue,  and  a  very  offensive  odor. 

The  movements  of  the  animal  are  stiff  and  the  gait  described  by  some 
as  "  straddling." 

The  digestive  organs  suffer  materially  in  chronic  cystitis,  strength 
diminishes,  emaciation  is  progressive  and  the  animal  slowly  wears  away. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS.  101 

Under  proper  treatment  improvement  might  possibly  result,  the  symp- 
toms  gradually  growing  less  severe,  the  strength  returning,  the  urine 
becoming  clearer  and  retained  a  longer  period.  Relapses  will  however 
more  than  likely  be  experienced,  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  bladder 
ulcerating,  disease  of  the  kidneys  ensue  and  death  follow. 

Treatment.  — As  in  all  other  morbid  conditions  the  cause  should  first 
be  removed  if  possible.  Paralysis  calls  for  especial  treatment  elsewhere 
advised.  If  calculi  or  other  incurable  conditions  exist,  the  treatment 
should  be  directed  to  the  palliation  of  symptoms. 

Pain  is  to  be  overcome  by  the  same  means  as  recommended  in  acute 
cystitis.  The  diet  should  be  largely  milk  and  lime  water,  equal  parts;  the 
latter  deserves  especial  mention  as  a  curative  agent. 

The  preparations  of  iron  advised  by  some  authors,  evidently  under  the 
impression  they  act  as  astringents  on  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  blad- 
der, arc  not  indicated  for  that  purpose  in  chronic  cystitis,  for  they  are  not 
absorbed  as  astringents,  neither  do  they  come  in  contact  with  the  interior 
of  the  bladder. 

One  of  the  most  active  agents  to  be  depended  upon  is  tannin,  which  is 
thrown  off  by  the  kidneys  and  reaches  the  bladder.  Itmay  at  first  be  given 
in  two  grain  doses  and  gradually  increased  to  five  grains  three  times  daily. 

"When  the  strength  fails  and  a  tonic  is  indicated,  two  grains  of  quinine 
or  some  form  of  cinchona  three  times  a  day,  is  advised  for  the  peculiar 
and  beneficial  influence  on  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  kidney  and 
bladder.  If  milk  seems  insufficient  to  sustain  the  animal  a  more  nourish- 
ing diet  may  be  allowed,  but  it  must  be  unstimulating. 


Cystic  Calculi. 

Stone  in  the  bladder,  cystic  calculus,  is  occasionally  met  with  in  dogs, 
more  common  in  advanced  age. 

Symptom s.  —Irritability  of  the  bladder,  with  frequent  efforts  to  void 
the  urine.  Considerable  pain  exists  and  occasionally  blood  is  passed ;  the 
external  urinary  organs  arc  at  times  slightly  inflamed.  The  symptoms 
may  be  present  for  a  long  time,  not  sufficiently  evident  to  clearly  indicate 
the  exact  cause  which  induces  them.  After  a  time  a  severe  attack  of  pain 
comes  on,  the  urine  is  retained  or  passes  only  in  drops;  a  diagnosis  then 
made  suggests  treatment,  the  result  of  which  may  relieve  the  animal 
somewhat,  but  only  for  a  time  and  death  finally  conquers. 

Treatment.  —The  symptoms  must  indicate  the  line  of  treatment  to  be 
followed.    A  cure  is  out  of  the  question. 


102  DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS. 

Renal  Calculi. 

Stone  in  the  kidney,  to  -which  the  above  name  is  given,  is  occasionally 
found  in  canine  practice.  This  affection  is  exceedingly  difficult  to  diagnose 
unless  the  symptoms  assume  an  unusual  prominence. 

The  indications  are  to  a  certain  extent  those  of  inflammation  of  the 
kidneys ;  the  manner  of  movement,  the  straddling  gait,  the  arched  hack, 
and  the  tenderness  over  the  loins  are  present  as  in  that  disease. 

Pain  is  a  prominent  symptom,  the  urine  is  scanty,  the  efforts  to  void  it 
are  constant,  and  only  a  few  drops  result  from  each  attempt.  Hoematuria 
is  commonly  associated.  At  times  the  suffering  is  intense.  Fever  may  he 
present,  the  appetite  becomes  lessened,  and  emaciation  follows. 

The  affection  is  necessarily  fatal  -when  the  stone  is  too  large  to  pass  into 
the  bladder  through  the  passage  called  the  ureter.  At  times  -when  an  ani- 
mal has  a  stone  in  the  kidney  even  of  large  size,  he  may  suffer  severely 
for  days  from  the  irritation  it  causes,  then  seemingly  recover  and  be  well 
for  along  time.  But  other  attacks  occur;  the  stone  continues  to  increase 
in  size  filling  up  the  kidney,  causing  that  organ  to  waste  away,  or  an 
abscess  to  result. 

The  treatment  is  symptomatic;  during  an  attack  of  pain  opiates  are  de- 
manded as  in  colic;  warm  baths  and  occasionally  hot  injections  aid  in 
lessening  the  suffering.  The  food  should  be  milk  as  recommended  in 
hematuria. 


Retention  of  Urine. 


The  term  retention  in  this  connection  signifies  a  want  of  power  to  pass 
the  urine  from  the  bladder.  It  is  to  be  understood  there  is  urine  to  pass, 
and  the  condition  must  not  be  confounded  with  suppression  in  which  none 
is  passed  because  none  is  secreted. 

Causation.  —Retention  of  the  urine  may  arise  from  causes  functional 
or  organic.  Among  the  former  are  included  paralysis  or  want  of  power 
in  the  muscular  coat  of  the  bladder,  and  spasmodic  stricture  of  the  urethra 
or  canal  from  the  bladder  by  which  the  urine  passes  off. 

The  organic  causes  include  obstruction  to  the  canal  by  contraction 
termed  permanent  stricture ;  stoppage  of  the  tube,  the  same  being  blocked 
up  with  small  calculi  coming  out  from  the  bladder;  obstruction  of  the  tube 
by  organic  diseases  as  in  enlarged  prostate ;  inflammation  and  swelling 
of  the  mucous  membranes  of  urethra.  Possibly  blood-clots  may  form  in 
hsematuria  and  thereby  obstruct  the  passage.  Cases  have  been  reported 
where  worms  have  lodged  in  tbe  canal  and  closed  it. 


RETENTION  OF  URINE,  103 

The  loss  of  power  In  the  muscular  coat  of  the  bladder  may  be  due  to 
paralysis  proper,  or  may  be  induced  by  distention  following  the  confine- 
ment of  dogs  excessively  neat  in  their  habits. 

Spasmodic  stricture  may  be  caused  by  exposure  to  cold  and  damp,  by 
cei-tain  drugs  taken  into  the  stomach  as  cantharides,  or  the  same  may  be 
absorbed  from  blisters. 

Temporary  stricture  sometimes  occurs  in  stud  dogs  the  result  of  undue 
sexual  excitement. 

Symptoms .  —Restlessness  and  continuous  pain,  with  constant  and  inef- 
fectual efforts  to  urinate  are  the  prominent  symptoms.  The  animal's 
movements  are  unceasing  and  his  gait  stiff  and  "  straddling."  In  getting 
up  and  lying  down  his  actions  are  restrained  as  though  painful.  The  abdo- 
men is  distended,  and  pressure  over  the  bladder  causes  shrinking  and 
distress.  Unless  relieved  the  pain  grows  more  severe,  vomiting  occurs, 
the  pulse  runs  high,  becomes  weak  and  feeble,  and  the  general  appear- 
ances indicate  gravity.  Convulsions  often  occur,  followed  by  profound 
stupor  and  death. 

Treatment.  —  If  the  symptoms  are  not  extreme,  one  grain  of  opium 
should  be  given  and  followed  by  a  hot  loin  bath.  The  great  object  is  to 
arrest  the  efforts  of  the  animal  to  urinate,  and  when  they  are  discontinued, 
often  the  bladder  will  empty  itself.  After  the  opium  a  dose  of  castor  oil 
should  be  administered. 

If  these  measures  are  unsuccessfully  employed,  a  surgeon  should  be 
called  and  the  catheter  used  to  evacuate  the  bladder. 

Retention  associated  with  paralysis  demands  the  use  of  the  catheter, 
and  the  employment  of  treatment  elsewhere  advised. 

If  the  prostate  is  enlarged  the  iodide  of  potassium  is  indicated  in  three 
grain  doSes,  three  times  daily.  The  food  should  be  unirritating  in  charac- 
ter,  milk  entering  largely  into  the  diet. 

A  dog  to  be  catheterized  should  be  placed  on  his  side,  the  penis  held 
by  one  hand,  the  instrument  introduced  by  the  other.  The  catheter,  well 
oiled,  is  to  be  inserted  and  pushed  with  gentle  force.  After  passing  easily 
for  a  distance  an  obstruction  will  be  felt,  caused  by  a  spasmodic  contrac- 
tion of  the  walls  of  the  passage.  Steady  pressure,  if  maintained  soon 
causes  this  to  yield,  and  the  instrument  penetrates  until  the  neck  of  the 
bladder  is  reached,  The  muscles  controlling  the  opening  now  contract 
and  resist  an  entrance,  but  soon  relax,  influenced  by  gentle  pressure. 

The  flow  of  urine  shows  the  operation  completed.  In  selecting  a  cath- 
eter, one  flexible,  and  like  those  commonly  used  on  man,  will  be  suitable, 
unless  the  dog  is  of  the  largest  breed,  in  which  case  it  will  need  to  be 
much  longer.  The  medium  size  should  be  selected,  and  the  wire  removed 
before  attempting  its  use. 


104  DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS. 

Haematuria  or  bloody  urine  occurs  at  times  in  certain  diseases  of  dogs. 
The  seat  of  the  disease  giving  rise  to  this  affection  may  he  in  the  kidneys 
or  bladder,  and  very  rarely  in  the  passage  from  the  latter. 

Hemorrhage  from  the  kidney  may  be  caused  by  the  irritation  of  calculi 
in  that  organ,  or  by  blows  or  kicks  over  the  loins,  by  congestion,  and  it 
might  occur  in  certain  general, serious  diseases  of  the  system.  Hemor- 
rhage from  the  bladder  may  be  caused  by  an  inflammation  of  the  parts 
called  cystitis,  or  by  the  presence  of  calculi. 

When  the  blood  comes  from  the  kidney  it  undergoes  certain  changes  and 
gives  to  the  urine  a  smoky  appearance.  It  must  be  remembered  that  this 
appearance  is  not  always  due  to  hemorrhage,  as  certain  articles  taken 
into  the  stomach  give  rise  to  the  same. 

Blood  from  the  bladder  has  a  brighter  appearance  and  is  often  voided 
in  small  clots.  When  the  urethra  or  external  passage  from  the  bladder  is 
the  seat  of  trouble,  blood  in  small  drops  usually  follows  the  discharge  of 
urine. 

In  haematuria  there  is  associated  more  or  less  weakness  about  the  loins; 
possibly  some  fever  may  be  present. 

Treatment.  —  As  bloody  urine  is  rarely  more  than  a  symptom  of  disease, 
it  will  demand  no  especial  treatment,  but  the  cause  must  be  sought  for 
and  the  infirmity  removed.  If  a  diagnosis  cannot  be  made  and  the  actual 
seat  of  the  disorder  be  determined,  certain  general  rules  of  treatment 
should  be  observed. 

The  diet  first  should  be  simplified  and  only  milk  be  allowed,  and  of  that 
sufficient  can  be  taken  to  sustain  the  strength. 

All  medicines  having  a  directly  stimulating  effect  upon  the  kidneys 
should  be  avoided.  If  the  manner  of  the  animal  while  passing  his  urine 
is  indicative  of  irritation  or  smarting,  oneteaspoonful  of  cream  of  tartar 
should  be  added  to  his  milk  three  or  four  times  a  day,  and  a  teaspoonful 
of  paregoric  be  given  occasionally.  Warm  applications  over  the  loins 
will  be  grateful  adjuncts. 

The  animal  should  be  confined  in  a  warm  room,  his  bowels  kept  active, 
and  the  case  watched  until  a  positive  diagnosis  is  determined. 


CHA<PTE<R    IX. 
<DISE£SES 

OF 

THE  GENITtfL  0&G&JYS. 


(Balanitis. 

The  principal  organ  of  generation  in  the  dog  is  subject  to  an  inflamma- 
tion of  the  mucous  membrane  of  its  covering  or  sheath, called  balanitis. 
This  affection  is  manifested  by  a  purulent  discharge  annoying  to  the  ani- 
mals themselves  and  exceedingly  offensive  to  their  owners. 

Causation .  —  Local  irritations  such  as  the  accumulation  of  certain  secre- 
tions, and  constitutional  disorders  are  the  more  common  causes. 

Symptoms .  —The  affection  gives  rise  to  considerable  discomfort  induc- 
ing the  animal  to  frequently  lick  the  parts.  The  discharge  is  thick  and 
yellowish  in  color;  the  mucous  membrane  is  reddened,  slightly  swollen 
and  sensitive. 

Treatment. — Perfect  cleanliness  is  the  great  essential.  The  sheath 
should  be  drawn  back  as  far  as  possible  and  the  organ  bathed  four  or  five 
times  daily  with  the  following.  — 

R    Acidi  Carbolici 

Acidi  Tannici    aa    gr.xx 
Glycerinae  %\ 

Aquoa  5  iij 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Lotion. 
As  a  rule  this  treatment  will  be  sufficient ;  if  not,  a  solution  of  the  sulphate 
of  zinc,  twenty  grains  to  one  half  a  pint  of  water,  may  be  frequently  used 
for  a  few  days,  after  which  a  weak  solution  of  the  acetate  of  lead,  one 
drachm  to  a  pint  of  water,  may  be  substituted. 

Constitutional  disturbances  are  to  be  overcome ;  if  debility  is  associated 
tonics  are  indicated;  if  the  animal  is  over  fed,  laxatives,  restricted  diet, 
and  exercise  are  the  measures  to  employ. 


106  DISEASES  OF  THE  GENITAL  ORGANS. 

<P&<Ra<PHYMOSIS. 

This  condition  is  said  to  exist  when  the  organ  of  generation  in  the  dog 
has  protruded  and  fails  to  return  to  its  sheath.  It  hecomes  thereby  much 
congested  and  swollen  inducing  severe  pain. 

Treatment.  —  If  the  condition  is  recent,  cold  applications  will  often 
suffice  and  the  parts  retract  of  themselves.  If  force  needs  to  he  applied, 
sweet  oil  should  he  used  freely  and  gentle  efforts  made  to  assist  the  ani- 
mal. This  failing.a  surgeon  should  he  called  to  divide  .the  constricting 
part  of  the  sheath  which  prevents  retraction. 


IJYFZaMMaTION  OF  THE  SCROTUM. 

A  form  of  irritation  of  the  scrotum  at  times  occurs  in  dogs,  which  if  neg- 
lected  may  take  on  a  malignant  type  and  become  cancer  scroti. 

Causation .  —  The  irritation  is  largely  confined  to  older  dogs.  Of  its 
predisposing  and  exciting  causes  but  little  is  known.  It  is  conjectured 
that  general  constitutional  derangements  aid  largely  in  its  production. 
When  the  true  cancer  scroti  manifests  itself,  it  is  assumed  that  constant 
local  irritation  has  no  small  share  in  inducing  the  disease. 

Symptoms .  — The  usual  signs  of  inflammation  characterize  the  appear- 
ance of  the  affection.  The  parts  become  reddened,  swollen,  and  sensitive; 
little  pimples  or  pustules  appear  which  soon  discharge  and  a  scab  is 
formed.  These  scabs  when  removed  or  thrown  off  leave  the  skin  beneath 
inflamed  and  very  sensitive.  Ulceration  rapidly  follows  this  condition 
unless  prevented  by  treatment,  and  the  tissues  take  on  a  process  of  indu- 
ration or  hardening  which  very  likely  will  be  permanent.  The  ulceration 
may  assume  a  dangerous,  cancerous  type,  progressive  and  resulting  in  a 
general  destruction  of  the  parts. 

Treatment.  —The  diet  should  at  once  be  restricted  on  the  appearance 
of  the  disease,  and  a  free  cathartic  be  given.    Cold  applications  are  indi- 
cated, and  to  a  pint  of  ice  water  add  the  following.  — 
R    Acid.  Acet.  dil.  5  i j 

Tinct.  Opii  5  i 

Liq.  Plumbi  Subacet.      3  iss 
Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Add  to  a  pint  of  water  and  use  externally. 
This  preparation  is  to  be  applied  by  thoroughly  wetting  in  it  a  thin  cloth 
folded  twice,  and  then  enveloping  the  whole  scrotum.    This  cloth  should 
be  frequently  dampened  by  the  solution,  and  may  be  kept  in  place  by  a 
bandage  passed  between  the  legs  and  secured  around  the  loins  in  much 


DISEASES  OF  THE  GENITAL  ORGANS.  107 

the  same  way  a  napkin  is  adjusted  on  a  child.  This  treatment  should  be 
persisted  in  until  the  crusts  or  scabs  fall  off.  Should  the  skin  then  become 
ulcerated,  paint  the  sores  lightly  with  carbolic  acid,  and  afterwards  apply 
the  oxide  of  zinc  ointment. 

During  the  local  treatment  it  will  be  wise  to  give  Fowler's  solution  of 
arsenic,  four  drops  twice  daily  with  the  food,  which  should  be  made  up 
largely  of  bread  and  milk,  beef  tea,  and  other  unstimulating  ingredients. 


Mo<r<bid  Growths. 

Not  infrequently  as  the  result  of  balanitis,  warts  or  vegetations  appear 
on  the  genitals  of  dogs.  Other  causes  have  been  assigned,  but  in  this  sit- 
uation they  are  doubtless  induced  by  irritating  discharges.  They  may 
exist  as  a  single  excrescence  or  as  a  group  of  several  united. 

Treatment.  —  When  the  warts  can  be  ligatured  it  is  much  safer ;  removal 
by  scissors  or  knife  usually  results  in  a  troublesome  hemorrhage.  A  silk 
thread  should  be  used,  well  waxed  or  what  is  still  better  a  fine  elastic  cord. 
The  tying  should  be  done  at  the  base  of  the  wart  around  its  pedicle,  and 
the  string  or  cord  be  drawn  tightly.  This  ligature  will  cut  through  in  afew 
days  and  the  growth  drop  off.  When  there  are  several  grouped  together, 
it  would  be  better  to  tie  but  a  few  at  a  time. 

The  concentrated  carbolic  acid  without  admixture  and  applied  with  a 
brush,  is  especially  suited  to  warts.  The  animal  can  be  prevented  from 
licking  the  parts  for  a  few  minutes  and  then  a  thorough  washing  will  ren- 
der poisoning  impossible. 


Prolapse  of  the  VaGiwa. 

Falling  or  inversion  of  the  vagina  is  a  consequence  of  general  debility. 
It  is  liable  to  follow  whelping  and  to  accompany  congestive  diseases  of 
the  womb.  This  condition  is  sometimes  observed  during  cestruation,  dis- 
appearing as  that  pex*iod  passes. 

The  vaginal  mucous  membrane  protrudes  through  the  orifice  having  the 
appearance  of  a  red,  soft,  and  shining  body,  which  pressure  readily 
returns. 

With  the  prolapse  certain  other  symptoms  are  manifested.  Pain  and 
discomfort  are  often  considerable ;  difficulty  in  passing  water  exists,  and 
at  times  the  action  of  the  bowels  is  interfered  with. 

Treatment.  —No  time  should  be  lost  in  returning  a  prolapsed  vagina, 
as  the  longer  the  condition  exists  the  more  difficult  it  will  be  to  remedy 


108  DISEASES  OF  THE  GENITAL  ORGANS. 

the  trouble.  Previous  to  making  the  attempt  the  protruded  parts  should 
be  thoroughly  cleansed,  dried  and  oiled.  After  their  return,  vaginal  injec- 
tions may  be  used  of  a  solution  made  by  adding  one  drachm  of  tannin  to 
a  quart  of  water. 

Constipation  should  be  guarded  against,  as  straining  induces  the  pro- 
lapse.   The  diet  should  be  mild,  unstimulating  and  digestible. 

Tonic  remedies  are  indicated  to  tone  up  the  general  system.  The  follow- 
ing may  be  wisely  given.  — 

R    Pulv.  Ferri  gr.xx 

Ext.  Nucis  Vomicae    gr.r 
Ext.  Gentian®  3ss 

Ext.  Conii  3ss 

Ft.  Pil.  No.  xxx.    Sig.  One  three  times  daily. 

If  the  means  advised  prove  insufficient  after  a  fair  trial,  a  surgeon  should 
be  consulted  and  the  treatment  intrusted  to  him. 


Pozypi  of  the  VaGiwa. 

Polypus  is  a  word  employed  to  signifj^  any  sort  of  tumor  having  a  neck 
or  stem  and  growing  out  from  a  surface. 

The  most  frequent  seat  of  polypi  is  the  mucous  membrane;  attached  to 
the  vaginal  walls  they  are  occasionally  met  with.  Polypi  in  this  situation 
usually  form  deep  within  the  passage  and  are  attached  by  a  narrow  pedi- 
cle. Their  presence  is  rarely  suspected  until  they  appear  in  the  orifice  of 
the  vagina.  They  are  then  the  cause  of  considerable  discomfort,  and  give 
rise  to  an  irritating  discharge.  Even  when  of  moderate  size  their  presence 
is  disturbing;  as  they  enlarge  they  expand  the  vagina  and  compress  the 
neighboring  organs,  causing  urinary  derangements,  and  may  interfere 
with  the  movements  of  the  bowels. 

Vaginal  polypi  are  pear  shaped,  smooth,  shining,  of  considerable  con- 
sistency, and  devoid  of  sensation.  Their  attachment  by  a  neck  will  ex- 
clude all  doubts  as  to  diagnosis. 

Treatment.  —Their  treatment  requires  an  operation.  Although  their 
removal  is  generally  easy  it  would  be  advisable  to  intrust  it  to  a  surgeon 
who  will  doubtless  resort  to  ligation. 

Inversion  of  the  uterus  is  very  rarely  met  with  in  canine  practice,  still 
that  it  can  occur  should  not  be  forgotten,  as  it  might  by  the  unskilled,  be 
mistaken  for  vaginal  polypus.  In  inversion  there  appears  within  the  va- 
gina, and  possibly  protruding  from  the  opening,  a  round,  smooth,  shin- 
ing body,  which,  if  long  displaced,  becomes  permanently  enlarged. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  GENITAL  ORGANS.  209 

£cute  Metritis. 

Acute  inflammation  of  the  uterus  or  womb  is  an  exceedingly  rare  dis- 
ease.   The  possibility  of  its  occurrence  warrants  a  brief  consideration. 

A  traumatic  origin  such  as  a  blow  or  a  kick  might  cause  metritis,  but 
quite  unlikely.  After  whelping,  if  the  labor  has  been  long  and  exhausting, 
or  surgical  measures  have  been  employed,  the  liability  to  inflammation  of 
the  womb  is  increased,  especially  if  neglect  or  exposure  follows. 

Vaginal  injections.if  too  hot  or  too  cold,  deserve  mention  as  causative 
agents. 

Symptoms,  —Fever  is  one  of  the  earlier  symptoms.  Pain  is  prominent 
and  is  increased  on  pressure  over  the  lower  part  of  the  bowels.  An  exam- 
ination made  by  introducing  the  finger  into  the  vagina  shows  the  womb 
to  be  swollen  and  sensitive. 

Vomiting  is  not  an  uncommon  occurrence.  Diarrhoea  and  frequent 
efforts  to  urinate,  are  other  ordinary  symptoms.  The  movements  of  the 
animal  are  stiff  and  painful. 

The  lining  membrane  of  the  womb  is  always  involved  in  the  inflamma- 
tion, and  as  a  result  a  vaginal  discharge  soon  manifests  itself.  This  is 
purulent  in  character,  rapidly  assumes  an  extremely  offensive  odor,  and 
irritates  the  vaginal  passage  and  orifice  which  becomes  hot  and  swollen. 
The  disease  is  one  of  great  gravity  and  especially  so  after  whelping.  If 
death  does  not  ensue  early  in  consequence  of  the  purulent  changes  going 
on,  the  inflammation  is  liable  to  extend  from  the  womb  to  the  peritoneum, 
in  which  event  there  can  be  little  or  no  hope. 

Treatment.  —  Opiates  are  indicated  to  control  the  pain.  Unless  vomit- 
ing occurs,  laudanum  in  twenty  drop  doses  at  first  would  be  the  wiser 
preparation  as  it  is  easier  to  vary  the  quantity  at  will. 

Warm  vaginal  injections  may  be  frequently  given,  to  which  if  the  dis- 
charge  becomes  fetid,  carbolic  acid  should  be  added.  The  proportion  of 
acid  should  be  about  two  teaspoonfuls  to  a  quart  of  water.  If  necessary 
to  relieve  constipation,  rectal  injections  are  the  better  means  to  employ; 
if  they  prove  insufficient,  a  dessertspoonful  of  castor  oil  should  be  given 
every  three  hours  until  operative.    Perfect  quiet  is  to  be  enforced. 

The  diet  should  be  stimulating  and  concentrated.  Beef  tea  with  a  raw 
egg  should  be  given  every  two  or  three  hours.  If  the  pulse  appears  weak 
and  flagging,  brandy  should  be  added  to  the  nourishment. 

After  the  inflammatory  stage  has  passed,  ten  drops  of  the  fluid  extract 
of  ergot  may  be  given  every  six  hours,  and  two  grains  of  quinine  four 
times  a  day. 

If  a  bitch  has  had  the  good  fortune  to  recover  from  acute  metritis,  she 
■hould  not  be  bred  until  her  second  period. 


110  DISEASES  OF  THE  GENITAL  ORGANS. 

&FFECTIONS  OF  THE  VULVA. 

Bitches  are  occasionally  affected  with  a  mucous  or  purulent  discharge 
froin  the  parts  at  the  entrance  of  the  vagina,  independent  of  any  deeper 
seated  inflammation.    This  affection  resembles  balanitis  in  the  dog. 

It  is  to  be  remembered  that  in  metritis,  vaginitis,  and  ulcerations  of  the 
womb,  a  purulent  discharge  exists,  and  the  vulva  becomes  inflamed  and 
possibly  excoriated.  All  doubts  as  to  the  existence  of  these  diseases  are 
to  be  removed,  and  when  vulvitis  alone  exists,  the  same  remedies  are  to 
be  used  as  advised  in  balanitis. 

About  the  vulva  there  is  liable  to  appear  certain  morbid  growths,  occa- 
sioning the  animal  considerable  annoyance  and  pain.  If  small  they  should 
be  cut  off  or,  which  is  better,  ligatured  and  then  cauterized  to  prevent  their 
reproduction. 

On  the  external  genitals  of  bitches  there  possibly  may  occur  ulcerations 
and  various  enlargements,  the  natures  and  causes  of  which  it  will  be  diffi- 
cult to  understand;  purulent  discharges,  want  of  cleanliness  and  proper 
treatment,  with  a  generally  impoverished  state  of  the  system  are  the  more 
active  agents. 

In  a  general  way  treatment  may  be  said  to  consist  of  perfect  cleanliness, 
tonic  remedies,  astringents,  and  efficient  cauterization. 


CH&PTE®    X. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  EYE. 


OPHTHazMia. 

The  conjunctiva  is  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  eye.  It  lines  the  inner 
surface  of  the  eyelids,  is  returned  and  forms  a  covering  to  the  exposed 
part  of  the  eyeball.  This  membrane  is  subject  to  inflammation  to  which 
the  name  ophthalmia  is  given. 

Causation .  —Many  causes  can  be  assigned  for  the  disease  under  consid- 
eration. Local  irritation  as  injuries  from  scratches  and  blows,  or  foreign 
particles  becoming  lodged  in  the  eye;  disorders  of  digestion;  cold  and 
damp;  inverted  eyelashes;  and  various  derangements  of  the  general 
health  are  among  the  more  prominent  causes. 

The  disease  may  be  induced  by  a  close,  damp  atmosphere,  saturated  with 
animal  vapor,  such  as  may  be  noticed  in  stables  improperly  ventilated 
and  neglected. 

Certain  forms  of  ophthalmia  are  both  capable  of  being  produced  by 
contact  with  the  purulent  secretion,  and  by  exposure  to  floating  particles 
of  pus  in  tainted  air.  As  an  instance,  dogs  may  be  kept  in  adjoining  ken- 
nels with  no  possibility  of  direct  communication  by  actual  contact,  and 
yet  the  atmosphere  may  convey  impurities  and  the  disease  be  transmitted. 
Symptoms.— -In  common  or  catarrhal  ophthalmia  the  symptoms  are  at 
first  an  intolerance  of  light,  and  a  flow  of  tears  on  exposure  of  the  eye, 
followed  by  a  thin  purulent  discharge,  which  in  severe  cases  becomes 
thick  and  possibly  contagious. 

The  conjunctiva  changes  to  bright  scarlet  red;  more  or  less  pain  is  pres- 
ent, and  considerable  difficulty  will  be  encountered  in  making  an  exami- 
nation.   As  a  rule  no  constitutional  symptoms  are  associated. 

In  purulent  ophthalmia  the  inflammation  is  violent  from  the  first,  and  a 
thick  purulent  discharge  soon  appears,  often  the  commencement  of  the 
disease.  The  conjunctiva  becomes  intensely  red;  the  eyelids  swell  and 
are  glued  together,  confining  the  purulent  secretion,  and  rendering  con- 
stant local  applications  more  urgent. 


112  DISEASES  OF  THE  EYE. 

In  the  severer  forms  of  ophthalmia  there  is  considerable  constitutional 
disturbance  with  prostration,  some  fever,  hot  nose,  constipation,  and  the 
usual  signs  of  inflammation. 

Prognosis .  —  In  milder  cases  the  disease  is  very  readily  controlled,  and 
a  complete  recovery  without  injury  to  the  sight  of  the  eye  maybe  con- 
templated.  In  purulent  ophthalmia  with  severer  symptoms,  the  affection 
may  lead  to  ulceration  or  sloughing  of  the  anterior  coat  of  the  eye,  and 
inflammation  of  the  internal  parts  of  the  eyeball. 

Treatment.  —  Great  attention  should  be  paid  to  cleanliness  from  the 
first,  and  the  discharge  should  be  continuously  washed  away  with  warm 
water,  and  a  soft  sponge  cut  in  the  shape  of  a  wedge,  the  sharpened  edge 
of  which  may  be  used  to  enter  between  the  lids  and  thoroughly  cleanse 
all  parts.  In  the  milder  cases,  after  carefully  bathing  the  eye,  a  wash 
made  of  borax  and  camphor  water,  ten  grains  of  tbe  former  to  an  ounce 
of  the  latter  should  be  used  freely,  and  as  often  as  possible.  Once  a 
day  the  following  should  be  applied.— 

R    Argent.  Kit.        gr.ij 
Aquas  Distil.      gi 
Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Eye  wash.    Apply  with  a  camel's-hair  brush. 
To  prevent  the  edges  of  the  lids  sticking  together  fresh  lard  can  be  used. 
In  severer  cases  the  bowels  of  the  animal  should  be  freely  moved  by  an 
active  purgative,  and  the  diet  reduced  to  milk,  broths,  and  gruels. 

Confinement  in  a  darkened  room  is  essential,  and  constant,  unremitting 
care  maybe  necessary  to  save  the  deeper  stx*uctures  of  the  eye  from  injury. 
The  eye  should  be  carefully  washed  out  eveiy  hour,  and  the  borax  and 
camphor  water  used  very  freely.  The  nitrate  of  silver  solution  may  be 
introduced  once  daily,  and  in  addition  to  this  treatment  there  should  be 
dropped  into  the  eye  morning  and  night,  a  few  drops  of  the  following 
mixture.— 

R    AtropisB  Sulph.       gr.i 
Aquae  §  ss 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Poison.    Use  with  care. 
After  the  fever  has  subsided  the  diet  should  be  generous,  and  one  grain 
of  quinine  should  be  given  four  times  daily,  and  if  the  animal  becomes 
debilitated,  a  dessertspoonful  of  cod  liver  oil  should  be  mixed  with  his 
food. 

Notwithstanding  the  most  careful  treatment  of  cases  of  acute  ophthal- 
mia some  will  pass  into  the  chronic  form  of  the  disease.  In  which  event 
a  cure  is  difficult,  and  recovery  long  delayed.  The  nitrate  of  siver  solution  . 
should  be  persisted  in,  or  the  sulphate  of  zinc,  of  the  same  proportion, 
substituted.  Blisters  to  the  temples  should  be  applied,  and  by  pure  air  and 
ample  exercise,  the  general  health  be  improved. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  EYE.  US 

I&ITIS. 

The  iris  ( a  rainbow )  has  received  its  name  from  the  varied  color  it  pre- 
sents. It  is  a  thin,  circular  shaped,  contractile  curtain  suspended  in  front 
of  the  lens,  being  perforated  by  an  aperture,  the  pupil,  for  the  transmis- 
sion of  light. 

The  perfection  of  the  eye  is  very  much  increased  by  the  action  of  this 
curtain.  In  a  strong  light  the  pupil  contracts  and  shuts  out  the  superfluous 
rays;  in  a  feeble  light  it  dilates  in  order  to  admit  into  the  eye  all  the  light 
which  can  be  received. 

The  iris  is  liable  to  inflammation.  While  the  name  iritis  is  used  to  indi- 
cate a  distinct  affection,  it  is  rarely  that  inflammation  is  confined  to  the 
iris  alone,  but  parts  anterior  to  it,  and  the  deeper  structures  behind  it  are 
involved. 

Causation.  —The  affection  may  be  the  result  of  injuries,  over-exertion, 
or  caused  by  various  morbid  states  of  the  blood. 

Symptoms .  —The  white  of  the  eye  changes  to  a  bright  pink  hue.  The 
iris  at  first  becomes  indistinct,  losing  its  color;  the  pupil  is  contracted, 
and  its  inner  edges  are  irregular.  In  the  next  stage,  one  of  effusion,  the  sur- 
face appears  in  some  cases  rusty ;  in  others  a  film  closes  the  pupil.  In  very 
acute  cases  the  conjunctiva  becomes  affected  by  the  inflammation.  Pain, 
restlessness,  intolerance  of  light,  and  excessive  flow  of  tears  are  the  com- 
mon associate  symptoms. 

^Prognosis.  —If  the  disease  is  of  recent  origin  the  prognosis  is  favorable. 
If  it  has  existed  for  a  long  time  and  came  on  slowly  and  insidiously,  the 
chances  of  recovery  without  impairment  of  sight  are  doubtful. 

Treatment.  —To  allay  pain, and  quiet  restlessness,  paregoric  in  tea- 
spoonful  doses  can  be  given.  To  subdue  inflammation, the  bowels  should 
be  moved  freely  by  epsom  salts,  and  the  diet  be  restricted  to  milk,  brotbs, 
raw  eggs,  etc. 

To  preserve  the  pupil  entire,  it  should  be  kept  well  dilated  by  means  of 
a  solution  of  the  sulphate  of  atropine  (gr.  i  ad.  aquae  distil.  3i. )  Of  this  a 
few  drops  should  enter  the  eye  morning  and  night. 

If  the  animal  is  full  blooded,  strong  and  hardy,  "  Gray  powder"  in  one 
grain  doses  may  properly  be  given  three  times  a  day  between  the  feedings. 
This  mercurial  should  only  be  continued  for  four  or  five  days.  After  the 
acute  inflammation  has  subsided,  the  iodide  of  potassium  may  be  given 
three  times  daily  in  three  grain  doses.  If  the  animal  is  debilitated  the 
syrup  of  the  iodide  of  iron  is  advised  in  ten  drop  doses  at  each  feeding. 
If  the  need  is  apparent  cod  liver  oil  may  also  be  added  to  the  treatment. 
The  tonics  should  be  persisted  in  until  the  film  disappears,  leaving  the 
pupil  clear. 


1 14  DISEASES  OF  TEE  EYE. 

CaraRacT, 

The  definition  of  the  term  cataract  is  an  opacity  of  the  crystalline  lens, 
or  of  its  capsule,  or  of  both. 

To  render  this  more  intelligible  it  is  necessary  to  briefly  consider  the 
anatomy  of  this  portion  of  the  eye.  The  crystalline  lens  is  a  transparent, 
double  convex  body,  situated  immediately  behind  the  pupil.  The  func- 
tion of  this  lens  is  to  produce  distinct  perception  of  form  and  outline,  and 
to  accommodate  the  eye  to  vision  at  different  distances. 

The  capsule  of  the  lens  is  a  transparent  and  highly  elastic  membrane 
■which  closely  surrounds  it. 

Causation.  —Cataract,  especially  capsular,  maybe  caused  by  wounds 
and  injuries  to  the  lens,  its  capsule,  or  to  the  eye  itself.  It  is  attributed  to 
inflammation,  and  has  been  produced  artificially  in  animals  by  modifying 
the  constitution  of  the  blood.  From  this  it  is  to  be  inferred  that  certain 
derangements  of  circulation  and  the  general  system  may  induce  cataract. 

Two  forms  of  cataract  are  recognized,  the  soft  and  the  hard;  the  latter 
is  peculiar  to  advanced  age. 

Symptoms.  —In  cataract  of  the  capsule,  there  will  be  seen  behind  the 
pupil  a  non-transparent  body  of  a  gray,  dead  white ;  if  cataract  of  the  lens 
exists,  the  body  will  be  bluish-white  or  amber  colored. 

After  a  certain  age  an  unaffected  lens  acquires  a  yellow  color,  then 
changes  to  an  amber. 

In  hard  cataract  the  cloudiness  appears  in  this  already  discolored  lens, 
and  great  impairment  of  vision  may  result  before  the  grayness  is  plainly 
evident  on  a  superficial  examination. 

Treatment.  —When  the  characteristic  changes  in  the  eye  are  detected, 
every  means  to  improve  the  general  health  should  be  resorted  to.  Tonics 
if  indicated  are  to  be  given,  and  selected  as  the  need  is  manifest. 

The  employment  of  the  most  judicious  methods  can  have  no  other  influ- 
ence on  the  disease  than  to  possibly  retard  its  progress.  Nothing  can 
exert  a  curative  influence  excepting  the  knife  of  a  surgeon. 

The  writer  recalls  an  interesting  case  in  which  the  condition  of  the  eye 
of  a  dog  presented  unusual  appearances.  The  affection  was  confined  to 
one  side.  On  the  first  examination  nothing  abnormal  could  be  detected. 
An  hour  later  the  animal  was  seen  and  the  lens  had  become  opaque  and 
a  bright  red  color.  In  a  few  hours  the  opacity  disappeared  and  the  eye 
again  seemed  unaffected.  These  peculiar  changes  the  owner  of  the  dog 
had  observed  for  some  months. 

The  general  health  of  the  animal  was  excellent,  his  usefulness  in  the  field 
remained  unimpaired. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  EYE.  115 

&Mau<Rosis. 

The  meaning  of  the  term  amaurosis  is  imperfect  vision,  depending  on 
changes  in  the  deeper  structures  of  the  eye.  The  name  "gutta  serena"  is 
sometimes  given  to  the  same  affection,  suggested  by  the  peculiar  glassy 
appearance  of  the  eye,  which  while  it  remains  clear  loses  its  expression 
and  becomes  staring. 

The  manner  and  staggering  gait  of  the  animal  suggest  dimness  of  sight. ' 
Causation.  —  Certain  forms  of  amaurosis  maybe  caused  by  long  con- 
tinued illnesses  and  other  debilitating  circumstances.    Others  may  super- 
vene upon  severe  digestive  and  liver  disturbances,  and  possibly  where 
worms  exist. 

Amam-osis  sometimes  arises  from  wounds  of  the  head,  blows,  etc.  Cer- 
tain poisons  can  induce  the  affection. 

Symptoms.  — In  severe  cases  the  sight  becomes  suddenly  dim  and  the 
animal  is  soon  totally  blind.  More  often  the  changes  are  gradual,  and  im- 
pairment of  vision  progresses  by  slow  degrees.  The  uncertain,  hesitating 
gait  at  first  atti-acts  attention.  The  eye  then  may  show  but  little  change 
from  the  normal,  but  as  the  disease  progresses  the  pupils  become  dilated, 
the  eye  clearer  and  expressionless.  Even  when  only  one  eye  is  at  first 
affected,  the  other  eventually  becomes  similarly  diseased  through  sym- 
pathy. 

Treatment.  —In  certain  conditions  a  sudden  attack  of  amaurosis  may 
occur  and  be  recovered  from. 

In  cases  where  the  changes  are  by  slow  degrees,  the  chances  are  the 
least  encouraging.  Were  it  possible  to  clearly  determine  the  cause  in 
each  instance,  much  might  result  from  proper  medication. 

In  but  a  very  few  cases  can  positive  indications  for  treatment  be  discov- 
ered, and  the  only  evident  duty  will  be  to  improve  the  general  health,  and 
treat  symptoms. 

Intestinal  troubles  are  to  be  overcome ;  the  animal  treated  for  worms,  if 
a  suspicion  of  their  presence  exists;  the  body  sustained  and  nourished; 
more  and  better  blood  generated;  and  a  long  course  of  iron  and  strych- 
nine is  advised  after  all  known  causes  are  remedied. 

The  following  pill  is  a  combination  of  these  drugs.  — 
R    Ferri  Phosphas.        3iss 
Strychnise  gr.ss 

Ft.  Pil.  No.  xl.    Sig.  Dose  one  twice  daily. 

The  fact  that  loss  of  sight  occurs  in  a  number  of  diseases,  among  them 
acute  and  chronic  meningitis,  should  not  be  forgotten.  Those  affections 
present  such  characteristic  symptoms,  the  danger  of  confounding  them 
with  amaurosis  seems  well  nigh  impossible. 


116  DISEASES  OF  THE  EYE. 

<P<ROT<BUSION  OF  THE  EYE<B&LL. 

This  condition  fortunately  is  but  rarely  encountered.  Displacement  of 
the  eyeball  from  its  socket  is  usually  the  result  of  direct  violence  received 
in  fighting. 

Simple  protrusion  without  laceration  of  the  attachments  of  the  eye  can, 
if  recent,  be  easily  overcome.  The  eye  should  be  returned  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible. Bathing  with  warm  milk  and  water  will  remove  dust  and  all 
impurities  which  may  have  collected  on  the  parts,  and  a  little  sweet  oil 
then  applied  renders  the  reduction  easier.  An  assistant  will  be  needed  to 
open  as  widely  as  possible  the  eyelids,  and  it  may  be  necessary  to  draw 
the  upper  one  well  forward  with  a  pair  of  forceps.  Firm,  steady,  but  gentle 
pressure  should  be  made  on  the  eyeball,  and  maintained  until  it  returns 
to  its  socket,  or  until  evident  its  reduction  is  doubtful.  When  this  is 
apparent  the  outer  corner  of  the  eye  should  be  snipped  with  the  scissors 
to  enlarge  the  opening,  a  method  which  will  generally  prove  sufficient 
when  reduction  is  again  attempted. 

The  lids  should  be  drawn  together  by  a  stitch  after  the  eye  is  returned, 
and  the  parts  constantly  bathed  with  cold  water. 


L&CHIIYM&L  tf<P<P£@£TVS. 

The  tears  are  produced  in  glands  situated  at  upper  part  of  the  cavity  of 
the  eye,  and  opening  by  ducts  upon  the  surface  of  the  conjunctiva  between 
the  eyeball  and  upper  lid.  The  office  of  the  tears  is  to  keep  the  parts  over 
which  they  are  diffused  moist  and  polished,  and  to  preserve  their  trans- 
parency. 

The  movements  of  the  lids  spread  the  tears  uniformly  over  the  eyeball; 
they  are  then  conducted  off  through  the  lachrymal  canals,  and  are  finally 
discharged  into  the  nasal  passages.  The  lachrymal  glands  are  occasion- 
ally subject  to  inflammations. 

In  some  affections  there  is  an  over  secretion  of  tears,  and  in  others  a 
deficiency,  and  a  consequent  dryness  of  the  eyes.  In  cases  of  the  former, 
the  eyes  should  be  carefully  examined  for  foreign  bodies  or  inverted  eye- 
lashes. If  the  irritability  apparently  results  from  an  impoverished  and 
debilitated  state  of  the  system,  tonics  should  be  given.  When  the  secre- 
tion of  tears  is  scanty  and  the  eye  dry  in  consequence,  glycerin  should  be 
occasionally  applied. 

Fistula  lachrymalis  signifies  an  ulcerous  opening  in  the  lachrymal 
sack.    It  is  the  ordinary  consequence  of  obstruction  of  the  nasal  duct,  the 


DISEASES  OF  THE  EYE.  117 

symptom  of  which  is  a  persistent  watering  of  the  eye.  Inflammation  fol- 
lows this  stoppage,  resulting  in  an  abscess,  which  bursting  causes  the 
fistulous  aperture  from  which  the  name  of  the  affection  is  derived. 

The  treatment  of  this  condition  demands  the  skill  of  an  experienced 
surgeon. 


&FFECTIONS  OF  THE  H&W. 

In  the  inner  corner  of  the  eye  is  a  semilunar  fold  of  the  mucous 
membrane,  the  cavity  of  which  is  directed  outwards.  This  is  called  the 
membrana  nictitans,  and  resembles  somewhat  the  third  eyelid  in  birds. 

The  purpose  of  this  structure  is  to  protect  the  eye,  and  by  it  dust  and 
irritants  are  swept,  as  it  were,  from  the  eyeball. 

This  membrane  is  subject  to  inflammations  resulting  from  injuries,  irri- 
tants, and  possibly  constitutional  diseases.  During  the  existence  of  an 
inflammation  the  part  becomes  red  and  swollen,  partially  covering  the 
eyeball  obstructing  the  sight,  and  giving  rise  to  a  profuse  flow  of  tears. 
Considerable  pain  often  attends  the  affection,  which  if  persistent  may 
result  in  a  permanent  enlargement  of  the  membrane,  and  consequent 
unsightly  deformity,  as  well  as  becoming  a  source  of  inconvenience  and 
annoyance  to  the  animal. 

Treatment.  —The  acute  inflammation  should  be  controlled  by  frequent 
bathing  and  the  use  of  the  following.— 

R     Zinci  Sulph.       gr.iij 

Aquse  5  ij 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Drop  into  the  eye  three  or  four  times  daily. 

This  astringent  lotion  or  the  use  of  borax  and  camphor  water,  ten  grains 
of  the  former  to  one  ounce  of  the  latter,  will  in  nearly  all  cases  prove 
sufficient.  When  the  swelling  of  the  membrane  first  appears,  if  treatment 
be  at  once  applied,  the  affection  should  yield  very  readily.  Other  causes 
than  those  acting  locally,  should  be  sought  for  and  removed.  The  pres- 
ence of  constitutional  disorders  is  highly  probable  when  both  eyes  are 
affected;  in  such  cases  it  is  usual  to  find  the  general  health  of  the  ani- 
mal much  impaired.  Dogs  confined  between  decks,  on  long  voyages,  in- 
differently cared  for  and  having  insufficient  exercise,  sometimes  contract 
the  disease.  The  usual  treatment  by  kennel-men  is  frequent  bathing  with 
warm  milk.  This  has  its  advantages,  but  should  not  displace  the  astrin- 
gent lotion  advised. 

If  the  enlargement  of  the  membrane  does  not  readily  lessen  under  the 
use  of  applications,  it  should  be  snipped  with  blunt  scissors. 


118  DISEASES  OF  THE  EYE. 

&FFECTIOJYS  OF  THE  EYELIDS. 

An  eczematous  inflammation  frequently  occurs  on  the  edges  of  the  ej-e- 
lids,  they  becoming  incrusted  with  dried  secretion  and  sticking  together. 

This  affection  maybe  acute,  accompanied  with  some  pain  and  soreness; 
more  commonly  it  is  chronic  and  associated  with"  general  eczema,  obsti- 
nate in  character  and  attended  with  itching.  This  affection  is  more 
commonly  observed  in  debilitated  animals,  suffering  from  digestive  dis- 
orders and  liver  derangements.  It  may  lead  to  ulceration  of  the  eyelids 
and  disease  of  the  roots  of  the  hair. 

The  health  should  be  restored,  and  local  cleanliness  insisted  upon.  Once 
or  twice  daily  around  the  edges  of  the  lids  should  be  applied  the  following 
ointment.  — 

R    Ungt.  Hydrarg.  Nit.        3i 
Ungt.  Simplicis  3  ij 

Ft.  Ungt.    Sig.  Apply  with  care,  allowing  none  to  enter  the  eye, 

Parasites  sometimes  lodge  about  the  roots  of  the  eyelashes,  and  produce 
an  obstinate  itching  which  eventually  results  in  an  eczematous  condition. 
The  mercurial  ointment  advised  above  will  destroy  the  insects  and  over- 
come the  irritation. 


CH&<PTE<R    XL 
DISEASES  OF  THE  Eti<&. 


Canker. 

The  term  canker  is  certainly  a  convenient  one,  as  the  older  authors 
found  it  quite  sufficient  to  designate  a  variety  of  affections  of  the  ear,  dis- 
tinct in  character,  occurring  in  different  locations,  and  arising  from  a 
variety  of  causes.  Some  recent  writers  have  attempted  a  different  classi- 
fication, but  their  selections  are  equally  objectionable,  and  it  seems 
expedient  to  still  recognize  the  term  canker  sanctioned  by  common 
acceptation. 

The  disease  is  really  an  inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the 
auditory  canal  or  passage,  which  extends  from  the  large  cavity  of  the  ex- 
ternal ear  inward  to  the  drum  membrane. 

Causation.  — Among  the  many  causes  which  may  be  assigned  as  induc- 
ing canker  are  cold,  digestive  disorders,  improper  food,  over  feeding  with 
insufficient  exercise,  the  accumulation  of  the  natural  secretion  in  the  ear, 
and  possibly,  "blows. 

It  may  accompany  skin  diseases,  or  it  may  be  a  sequel  of  any  exhaust- 
ing illness.  During  a  long  run  and  when  overheated,  dogs  will  frequently 
plunge  in  stagnant  pools,  and  dirt  and  mud  will  lodge  in  the  outer  ear  and 
give  rise  to  the  affection. 

Eruptions  sometimes  appear  on  dogs  suffering  from  a  prolonged  and 
severe  attack  of  distemper.  The  passages  to  the  ears  are  often  invaded  by 
these  pustules,  and  canker  results, 

Symptoms .  —Unless  the  ears  of  dogs  are  frequently  and  carefully  exam- 
ined, the  affection  is  likely  to  have  existed  for  some  days  before  attention 
is  attracted.  The  symptoms  observed  in  an  animal  suffering  from  canker 
are  his  restlessness,  frequent  scratching  of  his  ear,  and  violent  shaking  of 
his  head.  On  examination  the  skin  in  the  outermost  part  of  the  ear  pas- 
sage is  found  red,  hot,  and  some  swollen. 

The  irritation  may  be  confined  to  the  parts  forming  the  external  cavity, 
a  condition  designated  by  some  as  "  external  canker." 


120  CANKER. 

The  tendency  of  the  disease  is  to  invade  the  innermost  portions  of  the 
tube,  becoming  then  the  so  called  "  internal  canker." 

The  disease  may  have  its  origin  either  without  or  deep  within  the  pas- 
sage. In  the  latter  little  or  no  redness  or  swelling  will  be  visible,  but  an 
offensive  odor  and  a  discharge  is  characteristic  evidence. 

The  inflammation  if  uncontrolled  results  in  an  ulceration,  recovery  from 
which  is  often  tedious  and  delayed. 

Treatment.  —  It  is  difficult  for  the  writer  to  appreciate  why  the  older 
authors  gave  to  canker  that  importance  with  which  they  invested  it  in 
their  works  on  canine  diseases. 

No  less  amazing  is  the  treatment  they  employed,  which  possibly  is  a 
solution  of  the  enigma,  for  remedies  such  as  many  advised,  could  only 
have  aggravated  the  disease  and  retarded  recovery. 

The  first  law  to  be  religiously  complied  with  is  perfect  cleanliness;  very 
many  cases  in  their  early  stages  will  yield  to  that  treatment  alone. 

This  fact  must  be  remembered  in  the  selection  of  medicines  to  be  applied 
within  the  ear,  no  more  delicate  organ  exists  in  the  body,  and  none  are 
more  easily  injured  by  wanton  applications.  An  eminent  aurist  once 
thus  advised  a  patient,  who  was  addicted  to  using  a  small  ear  spoon  to  clear 
the  passage.  "  Never  put  anything  into  your  ear  but  your  elbow,"  advice 
which  if  followed,  would  materially  lessen  suffering  and  save  many  their 
hearing  unimpaired. 

To  insure  cleanliness  the  outer  ear  should  be  frequently  sponged  with 
soap  of  an  unirritating  nature,  and  warm  water.  If  the  passage  has  been 
invaded  by  the  inflammation,  water  must  be  gently  injected,  sufficient  in 
quantity  to  remove  all  discharge  and  everything  foreign  within.  It  mat- 
ters little  the  syringe  used,  provided  it  be  large  and  easily  managed ;  those 
small  glass  affairs  are  an  abomination.  The  ear  should  be  syringed  several 
times  daily  and  after  the  operation  the  following  used. — 

R    Acid.  Carbolici         3  ss 
Glycerin®  %  ss 

Aquas  Sijss 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Drop  a  little  in  the  ear. 

Neither  this  nor  any  other  application  should  be  used  cold,  but  it  should 
be  of  the  same  temperature  as  the  body. 

In  syringing  the  water  should  be  warm ;  a  good  method  to  estimate 
properly  how  hot  it  can  be  comfortably  borne  by  the  animal,  is  for  the 
operator  to  inject  some  against  his  own  cheek,  which  is  far  more  sensitive 
than  his  hand. 

If  frequent  syringing  does  not  relieve  the  pain  and  itching,  it  will  be 
well  to  use  the  following  — 


DISEASES  OF  THE  EAR.  121 

R    Bromo-Chlorali 

Tr.  Opii  aa    3  i 

Aquae  3  vi 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Drop  in  the  ear. 
This  preparation  can  be  alternated  with  the  first  one  advised,  using  one, 
then  two  or  three  hours  later  the  other. 

When  there  is  much  discharge  the  powdered  boracic  acid  dropped  in  the 
ear  is  productive  of  good  results. 

If  canker  is  confined  to  the  outer  cavity  and  flap  of  the  ear,  accessible  to 
direct  application,  stronger  remedies  can  be  safely  used.  If  the  parts  are 
simply  red  and  inflamed,  cleanliness  and  applications  of  the  following 
will  suffice.— 

R    Acid  Carbolic!        3* 
Glycerinae  Ji 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Paint  the  affected  part  several  times  daily  after  sponging. 

If  an  ulceration  exists,  it  will  be  well  to  cauterize  with  the  stick  nitrate 
of  silver  or  concentrated  carbolic  acid,  after  which  the  paint  can  be 
applied. 

While  recognizing  the  fact  that  in  a  majority  of  cases  of  canker  there  is 
some  associate  general  affection  which  demands  treatment,  the  need  to 
follow  the  stereotyped  rule  of  first  giving  a  cathartic  is  not  appreciated 
by  the  writer,  unless  the  conditions  are  favorable  and  there  is  good  and 
sufficient  reason  for  it. 

If  the  animal  is  overfed  and  plethoric,  or  if  some  fever  attends,  then 
certainly  a  purgative  is  demanded;  but  if  on  the  other  hand  he  is  debilita- 
ted by  a  long  illness,  or  some  rapidly  exhausting  disease,  it  were  much 
better  withheld. 

In  debility,  iron,  quinine,  or  cod  liver  oil  with  a  generous  and  nutritious 
diet  is  indicated. 

Whatever  disease  may  be  associated,  its  treatment  is  not  influenced  by 
the  presence  of  canker,  but  constitutional  remedies  are  to  be  administered 
as  the  need  is  manifested. 


122  DISEASES  OF  THE  EAR. 

Otitis,  Me<di&  o<R  Interna. 

It  is  to  be  understood  that  the  membrana  tympani,  or  drum  membrane 
of  the  ear,  is  the  division  between  the  so-called  external  and  middle  ear. 
In  treating  of  the  affection  which  we  were  obliged  to  call  canker,  owing 
to  the  difficulty  and  inconvenience  of  displacing  it,  inflammations  of  the 
external  ear  were  alone  considered.  There  remains  affections  of  the  tym- 
panum and  internal  ear  to  be  described. 

Otitis  is  strictly  the  proper  name  to  apply  to  inflammations  of  the  ear  in 
general ;  to  this  may  be  added  terms  to  distinctly  designate  the  particular 
locality  and  structure  affected. 

In  a  general  way  the  ear  may  be  divided  thus :  external,  middle  or  inter- 
nal. Still  other  subdivisions  might  be  made,  but  they  are  needless  in  this 
work  and  would  simply  tend  to  confuse  the  reader.  The  middle  ear  is  the 
space  internal  to  the  drum  membrane,  and  the  internal  ear  is  beyond  that 
and  comprises  the  deeper  structures.  Properly  inflammations  of  the  ear 
should  be  denominated  thus :  otitis  externa,  media  or  interna. 

As  the  first  has  already  been  considered  as  canker,  there  now  remains  to 
be  described  otitis,  media  or  interna.  In  this  disease  the  cavity  of  the  ear 
becomes  inflamed,  involving  the  drum  and  generally  the  external  ear,  and 
invading  the  cells  and  inner  structures.  The  inflammation  may  be  con- 
fined to  the  mucous  membrane  alone,  or  with  it  the  membrane  covering 
the  bone  and  even  the  bone  itself  may  become  affected. 

Causation .  —The  usual  causes  are  exposure  to  cold,  sudden  chills  such 
as  may  result  from  plunging  into  the  water  and  remaining  too  long,  vio- 
lent injuries  and  blows  in  the  region  of  the  ear,  and  foreign  bodies  in  the 
external  passage.  Powerful  chemical  liquids  which  have  been  poured 
into  the  ear,  accidentally  or  for  the  purpose  of  treatment,  may  so  irritate 
the  drum  that  deep  seated  inflammation  will  result. 

The  disease  may  have  its  origin  in  the  middle  ear  or  it  may  follow  the 
profuse  purulent  discharge  of  a  severe  attack  of  canker,  which  Anally 
ulcerates  through  the  drum  and  gains  entrance  to  the  cavity  within. 

Certain  constitutional  conditions  and  disturbances  furnish  predispos- 
ing causes  for  this  affection.  When  the  blood  is  impoverished  and  the 
system  debilitated  by  long  tedious  illnesses,  otitis  is  more  prone  to  occur. 

Symptoms .  —The  disease  almost  always  commences  suddenly,  attack- 
ing one  ear,  but  never  both  at  the  same  time.  Pain  which  marks  the  inva- 
sion of  the  inflammation  is  intense  and  rapidly  increasing  in  severity, 
eventually  becoming  so  torturing  as  to  cause  the  animal  to  shake  his  head 
violently,  rub  his  ear  along  the  ground,  and  utter  incessant,  sharp,  shrill, 
car  piercing  cries.    He  seems  distracted  and  cannot  be  tranquillized. 

These  violent  local  symptoms  are  attended  with  disturbances  of  the 


OTITIS,  MEDIA  OR  INTERNA.  123 

general  system,  fever,  hard  and  rapid  pulse,  great  thirst,  and  entire  loss 
of  appetite. 

In  some  cases  the  animal  seems  delirious,  so  maddening  is  the  pain 
which  tortures  him.  Great  tenderness  exists  on  the  affected  side,  and  an 
examination  will  be  made  with  difficulty.  The  passage  to  the  ear  will  he 
found  more  or  less  reddened,  swollen,  dry,  hot,  and  sensitive. 

These  painful  symptoms  may  last  five  or  six  days ;  before  the  expiration 
of  this  time,  death  may  in  rare  instances  take  place  from  convulsions,  or 
possibly  an  extension  of  the  disease  to  the  brain. 

If  the  animal  lives,  matter  forms  within  the  middle  ear,  and  at  last  the 
membrana  tympani  ulcerates,  or  ruptures  and  pus  streaked  with  blood  is 
discharged  by  the  external  ear.  This  discharge  is  odorless  at  first  but  in 
three  or  four  days  becomes  highly  offensive. 

After  an  opening  is  made  the  more  violent  symptoms  subside.  In  some 
cases  the  discharge  persists  for  a  time  and  then  disappears;  the  hole 
made  in  the  membrane  closes,  and  a  cure  is  affected  with  but  little  loss  of 
hearing.  More  commonly  the  small  bones  of  the  ear  are  discharged  with 
pieces  of  other  bones  which  have  necrosed  or  been  destroyed,  and  a  cure 
takes  place  with  almost  a  complete  loss  of  hearing.  In  other  cases  the 
brain  may  become  affected  by  the  extension  of  the  disease  and  death 
result. 

In  rare  instances  instead  of  the  matter  discharging  through  the  external 
ear,  it  may  so  affect  the  deeper  cells  and  structure  that  a  swelling  back  of 
the  ear  appears ;  an  abscess  forms  which  eventually  opens  and  thus  allows 
the  pus  to  escape. 

During  the  progress  of  otitis  the  general  system  suffers  severely,  debil- 
ity becomes  marked,  emaciation  is  progressive,  the  animal  is  slowly 
wearing  out. 

Treatment .  —The  intense  severity  of  the  pain  demands  the  use  of  opi- 
ates, and  fifteen  drops  of  laudanum  should  be  given  every  two  or  three 
hours  as  needed.  Hot  applications  if  they  can  be  made  to  the  side  of  the 
head,  may  aid  slightly  in  relieving  the  suffering.  During  the  inflamma- 
tory stage,  the  bowels  should  be  kept  open  by  two  or  three  teaspoonfuls 
of  epsom  salts  given  as  needed.  It  is  to  be  remembered  the  disease  occurs 
more  often  in  debilitated  animals,  and  the  effort  to  nourish  and  sustain 
should  be  early  commenced. 

If  nourishment  is  not  taken  voluntarily,  the  sufferer  should  be  forced  to 
swallow  concentrated  beef  tea,  broths,  milk,  and  raw  eggs.  Two  grains 
of  quinine  may  wisely  be  given  three  times  a  day.  After  the  discharge 
appears,  absolute  cleanliness  should  be  enforced.  The  ear  should  be  gently 
syringed  every  two  or  three  hours,  and  if  much  odor  exists,  the  drops 
recommended  in  canker  should  be  used  after  each  injection.    As  the  odor 


124  DISEASES  OF  THE  EAR. 

disappears,  and  if  the  discharge  remains  profuse,  after  syringing  the  ear 
with  warm  water,  an  astringent  injection  of  alum  and  w-ater,  one  half  a 
drachm  of  the  former  to  an  ounce  of  the  latter  may  he  used. 

If  pieces  of  bone  appear  in  the  discharge,  sulphate  of  copper  five  grains 
to  an  ounce  of  water  may  be  injected  instead  of  the  alum. 

After  a  time  as  a  substitute  tor  the  medicated  injections,  boracic  acid 
may  be  freely  dusted  into  the  ear  after  a  thorough  syringing  with  warm 
water. 

As  the  appetite  returns  the  most  nourishing  diet  should  be  allowed, 
consisting  largely  of  raw  beef.  Cod  liver  oil  in  dessertspoonful  doses 
should  be  given  three  times  daily,  and  instead  of  quinine,  the  citrate  of 
iron  and  ammonia  may  be  given  in  four  grain  doses  with  the  oil. 

By  improving  the  tone  of  the  blood,  nourishingthe  body,  and  sustaining 
the  strength  of  the  animal,  a  cure  of  the  local  affection  may  be  accom- 
plished. 


POZYPVS. 

The  term  polypus  includes  two  forms  of  diseased  growths.  The  first  is 
extremely  rare ;  it  is  nearly  colorless,  fleshy  in  appearance,  and  attached 
by  a  stalk  to  the  middle  of  the  external  ear.  Its  surface  is  smooth ;  it  is 
devoid  of  sensibility,  and  often  unattended  by  any  discharge.  This  form 
of  polypus  is  the  result  of  inflammatory  changes  wThich  usually  subside 
before  the  groAvth  appears. 

The  second  form  is  not  uncommon;  it  is  the  immediate  consequence  of 
inflammation  and  is  invariably  attended  by  a  discharge.  By  some  it  is 
called  the  bleeding  polypus  or  haematoid ;  it  varies  in  size  and  may  be- 
come sufficiently  large  to  appear  at  the  outer  opening  of  the  ear.  Its 
surface  is  rough  and  glistening,  and  deep  red  in  color.  It  is  almost  gelati- 
nous in  substance,  is  exceedingly  sensitive,  and  bleeds  easily.  This  form 
of  growth  has  usually  a  deeper  origin  near  the  drum  of  the  ear,  and  is 
more  commonly  a  consequence  of  otitis,  media  or  interna. 

Symptoms .  —  Constitutional  symptoms  are  present  in  certain  cases  of 
polypus;  in  others  none  appear.  If  they  are  large  growths  and  attended 
with  pain,  the  animal  by  his  manner  indicates  the  seat  of  the  disease  as 
in  canker.  The  local  symptoms  are  profuse,  offensive  discharges,  tiuged 
with  blood. 

If  a  dog  has  experienced  an  attack  of  otitis,  media  or  interna,  and  four 
or  five  weeks  later  .notwithstanding  treatment^  discharge  persists,  puru- 
lent, bloody,  and  of  very  offensive  odor,  it  is  strongly  indicative  of  the 
existence  of  a  polypus  of  the  second  form.    An  examination  with  a  spec- 


DISEASES  OF  THE  EAR.  126 

ulum  renders  a  diagnosis  easy,  even  when  the  polypus  is  forming  and  very 
small. 

Treatment.  —Efforts  should  be  made  to  improve  the  general  health,  and 
relieve  the  local  condition  which  first  induced  the  formation  of  the  poly- 
pus. Perfect  cleanliness  by  injections,  the  use  of  powdered  alum,  or 
boracic  acid  dropped  into  the  ear,  may  cause  the  growth  to  waste  and  be- 
come detached.  If  this  treatment  is  unsuccessful  a  skilled  aurist  should 
be  consulted. 


(Deafness. 

Impairment  or  loss  of  hearing  power  is  more  commonly  the  result  of 
organic  changes.  Very  rarely  deafness  depends  upon  certain  constitu- 
tional disturbances,  there  being  an  entire  absence  of  all  symptoms 
indicative  of  inflammation. 

Certain  drugs  such  as  quinine,  taken  in  veiy  large  doses,  and  persisted 
in  for  a  long  time,  have  been  known  to  induce  deafness.  In  young  dogs 
this  is  generally  transitory,  but  in  older  the  impairment  may  be  permanent. 

The  more  common  cause  is  otitis,  media  or  interna,  or  some  organic 
change  in  the  auditory  nerve,  possibly  induced  by  blows  on  the  head,  or 
sympathetic  with  disease  of  the  brain. 

In  very  rare  instances  a  catarrhal  inflammation  of  the  middle  ear  may 
be  excited  and  subside  without  the  occurrence  of  purulent  changes,  leav- 
ing a  chronic  irritation  which  eventually  causes  a  thickening  of  the  drum 
membrane,  and  impaired  hearing  power  in  the  affected  ear. 

Accumulations  in  the  external  passage  may  cause  deafness,  at  first  me- 
chanically, and  ultimately  by  pressure  inducing  disease,  and  permanent 
injury  of  the  parts  acted  upon.  Some  puppies  are  imperfect  at  whelp,  the 
sense  of  hearing  being  entirely  absent. 

Treatment.  —Excepting  in  cases  where  the  deafness  is  due  to  accumu- 
lations in  the  external  ear,  the  results  of  treatment  will  prove  negative. 
If  congenital,  positively  nothing  can  be  done.  If  the  drum  membrane 
has  been  perforated,  a  judicious  treatment  of  otitis  will  favor  a  closing  of 
the  opening,  and  the  hearing  power  will  in  a  measure  be  restored. 

The  deafness  of  old  dogs  admits  of  little  or  no  improvement.  Catarrhal 
inflammation  of  the  middle  ear  generally  results  in  a  chronic  disease  very 
difficult  to  cure,  and  for  which  there  is  no  treatment  which  will  promise 
much.  When  organic  nerve  deafness  exists,  the  condition  is  due  to  paral- 
ysis and  should  be  treated  as  such.  Where  the  cause  is  obscure  or  due  to 
evident  constitutional  disturbances,  efforts  should  be  made  to  tone  up  the 
system,  thereby  improving  the  general  health.  Where  deafness  is  sus- 
pected the  ears  should  be  well  syringed  and  then  carefully  examined. 


126  DISEASES  OF  THE  EAR. 

Affections  of  the  Fl&<p  of  the  Ea<R. 

Abscesses  occasionally  form  in.  the  flap  of  the  ear.  They  may  occur 
without  any  apparent  cause  but  are  more  commonly  the  result  of  blows 
or  tugging  at  the  ear.  The  constant  shaking  of  the  head  induced  by  canker 
may  be  sufficient  to  give  rise  to  abscesses. 

Their  contents  are  usually  watery  in  character  and  they  have  the  pecu- 
liar baggy  appearance  of  large  blisters.  An  opening  should  be  made  in 
the  lowest  part  of  the  abscesses;  this  must  be  large  and  free,  and  kept  open 
until  the  sack  has  entirely  closed.  This  treatment  and  perfect  cleanliness 
will  ordinarily  be  quite  sufficient.  If  matter  forms  and  a  running  sore 
results,  the  oxide  of  zinc  ointment  will  readily  heal  it. 

At  times  an  eczema  of  the  flap  occurs  independently  of  a  general  mani- 
festation of  the  disease.  This  condition  if  not  induced  by  constant  scratch- 
ing is  almost  always  aggravated  by  it.  The  treatment  of  this  affection  is 
identical  with  that  of  mange. 

A  dry,  scaly  condition  of  the  external  passage  of  the  ear  involving  the 
inner  portion  of  the  flap  may  exist,  and  often  follows  acute  inflammations 
of  that  organ.  The  affection  annoys  the  animal  exceedingly,  induces 
constant  scratching.  In  the  treatment  the  following  will  be  found  effica- 
cious.— 

R    Zinci  Sulphocarb.     gr.  vi 
Aquae  §  i 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Drop  in  the  ear  three  or  four  times  daily. 
At  night  it  will  be  well  to  freely  apply  this  ointment  to  the  external 
parts  affected.— 

R    Ungt,  Hydrarg.       3  i 

Ungt.  Simp.  5  iij 

Ft.  Ungt.    Sig.  External  use. 
Constitutional  derangements  should  be  sought  for,  and  if  found,  are  to  be 
treated  as  the  need  is  manifest. 

Othematoma  or  blood  tumor  of  the  ear  is  a  foi-m  of  disease  said  to  affect 
dogs,  an  account  of  its  occurrence  in  which,has  been  given  by  Mr.  S.  Ogier 
Ward.    Wilde  states  that  he  observed  the  trouble  in  a  valuable  pointer. 

The  cat  is  rather  more  liable  to  the  affection.  One  case  has  been  de- 
scribed where  the  entire  auricle  was  swollen  out,  the  affected  organ 
forming  a  long  pointed  tumor.  The  effusion  was  gradually  absorbed,  thick- 
ened, and  shrivelled.  In  this  instance  the  presence  of  a  cutaneous  trouble 
at  the  upper  and  back  part  of  the  auricle  was  noted. 


CH&<PTE<R    XII. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN. 


ECZEM&. 

Eczema  is  a  disease  of  the  skin  which  first  appears  either  as  minute 
blisters,  pimples,  or  small  elevations  covering  pus;  these  three  forms  may 
more  conveniently  he  designated  the  vesicular,  papular,  or  pustular.  The 
first  is  the  more  common  form,  and  the  vesicles  are  minute,  transparent, 
and  glistening ;  slightly  elevated,  and  pressed  together  in  irregular  patches 
with  little  or  no  redness  between.  The  fluid  in  the  vesicles  soon  becomes 
gummy  and  cloudy ;  it  may  be  absorbed  but  is  more  commonly  discharged ; 
adheres  to  the  surface,  dries  rapidly,  and  forms  crusts  beneath  which  is 
the  beginning  of  the  disease. 

The  skin  becomes  reddened,  moist,  and  swollen.  Successive  crops  of 
vesicles  form,  the  discharge  from  which  is  a  constant  source  of  inflamma- 
tion, and  the  disease  spreads  showing  different  stages  in  different  parts. 
The  progress  of  the  pustules  is   identical  with  that  of  the  vesicles. 

When  the  disease  appears  in  the  form  of  papules,  they  either  change 
into  vesicles  and  run  the  course  described,  or  they  dry  into  scales  and 
crusts. 

Eczema  rubrum,  eczema  squamosum,  and  other  terms  are  used  to  desig- 
nate certain  forms  of  the  disease  belonging  to  the  subsequent  stages.  In 
the  first  the  skin  is  reddened  and  inflamed  in  patches  covered  with  shining 
vesicles;  in  the  latter  the  eruption  is  dry  and  scaly. 

Pityriasis  rubra  is  a  form  of  eczema  rarely  met  with.  It  is  characterized 
by  a  skin  reddened  in  large  patches,  and  covered  with  branny  crusts  or 
scales,  which  if  removed  the  skin  will  be  found  dry  and  reddened,  but  not 
bleeding.  This  disease  usually  attacks  the  whole  surface  of  the  body,  and 
is  distinguished  by  its  obstinacy  and  tendency  to  recur. 

Eczema  simplex  is  the  term  used  to  designate  the  mildest  form  of  the 
disease  yielding  more  readily  to  treatment.  Numberless  subdivisions  have 
been  made  by  authors  who  have  chosen  terms  to  designate  different  varie- 
ties of  eczema  having  more  or  less  perfectly  marked  stages,  but  they 


128  ECZEMA. 

merely  represent  the  different  forms  of  the  disease  in  various  situations 
and  subjected  to  dissimilar  influences. 

Eczema  may  be  acute  or  chronic ;  the  latter  form  is  far  more  frequent 
and  may  attack  every  portion  of  the  body,  while  the  former  may  be  con- 
fined to  certain  locations.  A1J  forms  of  the  disease  are  accompanied  with 
intolerable  itching. 

Causation.  —Eczemas  are  in  part  primary  diseases  and  in  part  sympto- 
matic. The  primary  result  from  immediate  irritation  of  the  skin,  as 
caused  by  acrid  medicated  applications  in  ointments,  etc.,  by  extremes  of 
temperature,  and  by  mechanical  injuries  affecting  the  skin  directly.  Cro- 
ton  oil,  strong  mercurial  ointments,  alkaline  soaps,  iodine,  etc.,  when 
applied  are  frequent  causes  of  eczema.  Mechapical  causes  are  illustrated 
by  the  irritation  of  the  skin  produced  by  the  nails  in  scratching;  eczema 
accompanying  parasitic  diseases  is  generated  in  this  way.  Prolonged, 
very  hot  baths  are  sufficient  in  some  cases  to  induce  the  disease  under 
consideration. 

The  symptomatic  causes  are  not  so  apparent;  we  know  that  attacks  of 
eczema  occur  in  consequence  of  certain  internal  diseases,  but  their  anal- 
ogy has  never  been  positively  determined.  Among  the  symptomatic 
causes  are  indigestion,  injudicious  feeding,  want  of  exercise,  and  impov- 
erished blood. 

Eczema  frequently  appears  as  a  sequel  to  long  exhaustive  illnesses,  and 
is  very  often  associated  with  liver  derangements.  In  highly  nervous  tem- 
peraments there  seems  to  exist  a  predisposition  to  eczema,  and  "  in- 
breeding "  has  been  condemned  as  a  possible  cause.  That  the  disease  is 
hereditary  as  asserted  by  some  has  never  been  clearly  proven.  That  want 
of  cleanliness  might  possibly  induce  the  affection  can  be  readily  appreci- 
ated. An  excess  of  animal  food  is  another  cause  assigned,  but  further 
proof  is  necessary  before  this  can  be  accepted  as  indisputable.  The  feeding 
of  starchy  food  in  excess  induces  disturbances  of  the  nutritive  functions, 
and  eczema  frequently  results. 

Worms  by  intestinal  irritation  and  other  influences  on  the  system  might 
give  rise  to  the  affection.  Puppies  during  the  period  of  dentition  some- 
times suffer  eczematous  attacks.  Many  other  causes  have  been  assigned, 
and  many  cases  occur,  the  origin  of  which  it  is  impossible  to  explain. 

Eczema  is  not  contagious,  but  in  certain  stages  when  the  secretion  is 
profuse,  the  disease  can  be  communicated  by  actual  contact  of  a  sufficient 
duration.  To  be  more  explicit  a  healthy  dog  might  be  allowed  to  play 
with  one  affected  with  eczema,  and  be  many  times  in  momentary  contact 
without  acquiring  the  disease ;  but  were  they  allowed  to  occupy  the  same 
sleeping-box,  and  the  healthy  skin  of  one  remain  sufficiently  long  in  con- 
tact, with  the  diseased  skin  of  the  other,  from  which  there  exuded  a  profuse 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN.  129 

secretion,  through  this  secretion  the  disease  could  be  transmitted  and  the 
previously  healthy  animal  become  eczematous. 

Prognosis .  —Eczema  is  a  curable  disease.  An  animal  once  attacked  is 
liable  to  be  again  affected.  In  longhaired  dogs  the  disease  will  prove  more 
rebellious  and  difficult  to  cure.  In  pityriasis  rubra,  certain  degenerative 
changes  occur  in  the  skin,  rendering  a  cure  of  that  form  of  the  disease 
exceedingly  difficult. 

Treatment.  —While  the  internal  treatment  of  eczema  is  positively  essen- 
tial in  very  many  cases,  it  must  not  be  employed  indiscriminately,  but 
only  after  a  diagnosis  of  the  disease  associated  is  determined  beyond  a 
reasonable  doubt.  The  connection  with  diseases  of  the  internal  organs 
may  not  be  clear  at  first,  but  careful  study  will  ultimately  develop  a  clue 
sufficient  to  direct  internal  medication;  until  then  it  were  wiser  to  depend 
entirely  upon  external  remedies. 

When  eczema  first  appears  especially  in  puppies,  considerable  fever  is 
associated  and  a  laxative  is  indicated.  It  were  better  to  increase  the  activ- 
ity of  the  bowels  by  divided  doses  rather  than  administer  purges.  Epsom 
salts  or  calcined  magnesia  are  to  be  preferred;  the  dose  of  the  former,  two 
teaspoonfuls,  of  the  latter,  one  teaspoonful,  once  or  twice  daily  until  the 
fever  subsides,  after  which  they  are  to  be  given  cautiously  if  at  all,  as 
intestinal  derangement  and  debility  will  result  from  their  prolonged  use. 

In  rare  instances  cases  will  be  met  with  in  which  a  feverish  condition 
exists  for  a  long  time,  the  animal  being  full  blooded  and  of  inflammable 
tendency.  In  such  cases  a  restricted  diet  and  the  use  of  laxatives  is  indi- 
cated; to  obviate  depression  iron  should  be  combined  as  in  the  following— 

R    Magnesise  Sulphatis  5  i 

Ferri  Sulphatis  3*i 

Acid.  Sulph.  Aromatici    §ss 
Aquge  5  viss 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  One  teaspoonful  three  times  daily. 

When  dogs  are  reduced  nutrition  must  be  improved,  and  the  most  gener- 
ous diet  be  allowed  into  which  meat  largely  enters,  and  it  may  be  given 
cooked  or  raw.  If  the  loss  of  weight  is  very  marked,  cod  liver  oil  in  table- 
spoonful  doses  should  be  added  to  each  feeding. 

In  cases  of  debility  an  iron  tonic  is  indicated,  and  if  the  skin  eruption 
has  existed  for  sometime,  Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic  may  be  combined 
as  follows  — 

R    Ferri  et  Ammon.  Cit.     §i 
Sol.  Fowleri  5ij 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Four  drops  three  times  daily  with  the  food. 
Very  many  cases  will  be  met  with  where  this  preparation  of  iron  and 


130  ECZEMA. 

arsenic,  also  cod  liver  oil,  should  be  given  at  the  same  time.  Frequently 
loss  of  appetite  is  a  prominent  symptom  which  demands  especial  treat- 
ment first,  and  before  other  internal  remedies  can  be  employed. 
„  In  such  cases  quinine  in  two  grain  doses  four  times  a  day  should  be 
given,  and  the  animal  urged  to  eat  raw  beef,  milk,  beef  teas,  etc.,  and  if 
partaken  of  sparingly  he  should  be  tempted  with  food  every  few  hours. 

When  gastric  derangements  exist,  they  should  be  treated  as  advised  in 
indigestion. 

One  cause  of  eczema  which  the  writer  does  not  recall  having  seen  men- 
tioned, and  which  he  desires  to  dwell  upon,  is  to  be  found  in  torpor  of  the 
liver  and  other  hepatic  derangements.  Cases  have  been  observed  by  him 
which  have  proved  obstinate,  and  remedy  after  remedy  has  been  used 
without  success  until  treatment  was  especially  directed  to  the  liver,  and 
then  improvement  immediately  followed.  When  a  sluggish  action  of  this 
organ  is  suspected,  it  would  be  well  to  discontinue  other  internal  remedies 
and  give  the  following  — 

R    Mass.  Hydrarg.       gr.iv 
Pulv.  Ipecac.  gr.i 

Ext.  Taraxaci  3ss 

Ft.  Pil.  No.  xij.    Sig.  Dose  one  three  times  daily. 

After  these  pills  are  taken,  the  treatment  previously  employed  can  again 
be  instituted.  The  importance  of  regularly  enforced  and  sufficient  exer- 
cise in  plethoric,  overfed  animals,  cannot  be  too  strongly  insisted  upon. 

In  fact  every  abuse  must  be  corrected,  and  every  influence  tending  to 
improve  the  general  health  of  the  animal  should  be  encouraged. 

While  the  internal  treatment  is  important,  the  local  is  no  less  so,  and  in 
very  many  cases  of  even  greater  importance.  In  no  known  disease  which 
the  canine  race  is  heir  to,  has  a  larger  number  of  remedies  and  methods 
been  advised  than  for  the  treatment  of  eczema,  and  much  harm  has  been 
done  by  the  injudicious  and  indiscriminate  use  of  irritating  applications 
in  the  acute  form,  while  much  time  has  been  lost  by  using  the  wrong  appli- 
cation, and  neglecting  to  employ  a  proper  and  valuable  remedy. 

To  carefully  study  each  case  is  imperative ;  not  alone  to  know  its  causes 
and  complications,  but  the  stage  of  the  eruption  is  of  great  importance, 
for  be  it  remembered,  remedies  which  are  valuable  in  the  chronic  stage 
are  not  only  pernicious  in  the  acute  form  but  do  much  to  intensify  the  dis- 
ease, and  invite  its  extension  over  the  entire  body,  when  had  judicious 
treatment  been  instituted  at  first,  and  far  simpler  remedies  and  methods 
been  properly  applied,  the  eruption  would  have  remained  a  mere  localized 
patch,  have  been  of  but  little  consequence,  and  immediately  recovered 
from. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN.  131 

In  all  cases  when  acute  eczema  makes  its  appearance,  the  first  step  in 
local  treatment  is  to  remove  the  hair,  not  only  over  the  eruption,  but  for  a 
sufficient  distance  from  it  to  insure  the  disease  is  seen  in  its  entirety. 

With  the  scissors  remove  the  greater  portion  and  shave  closely.  The 
parts  are  then  to  be  carefully  washed,  remembering  to  use  cold  water,  car- 
bolic soap,  a  soft  sponge,  and  to  be  exceedingly  gentle,  as  an  approach  to 
hard  rubbing  will  add  to  the  inflammation. 

In  using  medicinal  applications  it  must  be  remembered  the  skin  is  in  a 
very  irritable  state,  and  the  treatment  should  necessarily  be  soothing.  The 
balsam  of  peru  is  a  remedy  which  has  for  years  been  much  used  in  the 
treatment  of  skin  diseases;  in  many  cases  it  has  proved  efficacious,  in 
others  less  active ;  when  unsuccessful  it  is  presumed  other  essentials  in 
treatment  were  neglected.  The  writer  has  sufficient  confidence  in  the  rem- 
edy to  recommend  its  use. 

After  the  hair  has  been  shaved  off,  the  parts  carefully  bathed  and 
allowed  to  dry,  the  balsam  should  be  warmed  and  freely  applied.  Gen- 
erally nothing  more  need  be  done  until  the  following  day,  when  it  will  be 
well  to  again  use  the  balsam  or  freely  apply  the  oxide  of  zinc  ointment, 
this  being  especially  indicated  if  the  skin  is  very  irritable,  and  the  animal 
is  inclined  to  scratch. 

Until  recovery  takes  place,  or  it  is  evident  other  local  remedies  must 
be  resorted  to  before  a  cure  can  be  accomplished,  the  balsam  should  be 
used  continuously  or  alternated  with  the  zinc  ointment. 

In  rare  instances  notwithstanding  these  applications,  the  itching  will 
still  be  intolerable,  and  the  animal  continue  to  gnaw  or  scratch. 

If  necessary  camphor  and  morphine  can  be  added  to  the  zinc  ointment 
as  follows.  — 

R    Morph.  Sulph.  gr.ij 

Pulv.  Camphorae       3  ss 
Ungt.  Zinci  Oxidi      g  i 
Ft.  Ungt.    Sig.  Apply  not  too  freely. 

While  ointments  are  almost  invariably  serviceable,  occasionally  the 
secretion  from  the  eruption  will  be  excessive,  and  powders  will  be  needed 
to  check  it.  The  powdered  oxide  of  zinc  or  the  subnitrate  of  bismuth  are 
advised  in  such  cases. 

The  writer  appreciates  that  this  advice  to  cut  and  shave  the  hair  will 
not  always  be  followed,  or  at  least  it  will  be  done  with  reluctance  and 
after  other  means  have  been  sought  and  employed.  In  such  cases  the 
balsam  of  peru  should  be  heated  and  poured  on  to  the  eruption,  and  rub- 
bed in  well  with  the  finger  two  or  three  times  daily,  or  the  following 
can  be  applied  — 


132  ECZEMA. 

f  R    Bals.  Peru 

Spts.  Rectificati  aa   5  iij 
ZinciOxidi  Si 

Glycerinae  5^ 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Shake  well.  External  use. 

If  a  doubt  exists  as  to  the  eruption  being  simple  eczema,  and  there  is  a 
possibility  that  the  irritation  is  induced  by  a  parasite,  instead  of  the  oxide 
of  zinc,  it  would  be  well  to  add  an  ounce  of  sulphur  to  the  mixture.  The 
animal  should  be  watched  and  wherever  he  is  seen  to  scratch,  even  if  no 
eruption  is  apparent  the  solution  should  be  freely  applied. 

In  the  treatment  of  chronic  eczema  one  must  expect  to  occasionally 
encounter  cases  obstinate  and  difficult  to  cure;  more  often  they  will  yield 
readily  1o  judicious  treatment.  It  must  be  remembered  that  a  cure  of 
eczema  can  seldom  be  effected  with  one  means  alone,  but  changes  to  others 
must  be  made  as  the  stages  and  conditions  vary.  We  can  never  tell  with 
certainty  how  a  remedy  will  act  in  every  case*  The  skins  of  some  dogs 
are  more  easily  affected  than  others,  and  certain  applications  which  in 
some  allay  irritation,  will  in  others  intensify  it. 

Notwithstanding  the  obstacles  encountered  and  disappointments  met, 
the  fact  that  eczema  is  a  curable  disease,  should  encourage  us  to  persevere. 
In  commencing  the  local  treatment  of  chronic  eczema  it  is  to  be  inferred 
that  in  the  progress  of  the  disease  the  hair  has  already  fallen  out;  if  not 
it  should  be  removed  to  admit  the  easy  application  of  remedies.  The 
crusts  should  be  detached  by  the  free  use  of  oily  substances ;  it  matters  but 
little  which  is  selected,  either  fresh  lard,  linseed  oil,  cod  liver  oil,  or  vase- 
line. "Whatever  is  used  should  be  very  generously  applied,  and  in  recent 
cases  these  simple  remedies  are  often  sufficient  to  effect  a  cure. 

If  necessary  to  employ  other  means,  it  would  be  well  to  gently  and 
thoroughly  wash  the  animal,  using  a  strong  solution  of  borax,  or  shampoo 
with  raw  eggs.  After  washing  and  drying,  the  zinc  ointment  should  be 
freely  used,  and  the  result  patiently  watched.  If  this  proves  ineffectual 
more  active  remedies  must  be  chosen.  Tar  has  proved  itself  very  effica- 
cious in  chronic  eczema  and  may  be  used  variously  combined.  The  oil 
of  tar  and  glycerin,  one  part  to  three,  acts  well  in  some  cases.  The  thick- 
est form  of  tar  is  generally  the  better,  and  should  be  combined  with  other 
agents  as  follows. — 

R    Picis  Liquid. 

Sulphur.  Flor.       aa    5  i 

Sapo.  Viridis 

Adepis  aa     £ij 

Ft.  Ungt.    Sig.  External  use. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN.  133 

This  ointment  can  be  applied  freelj',  and  in  cases  where  the  hairs  have 
not  been  removed,  it  will  not  stick  and  mat  them  together.  A  prolonged 
use  of  this  preparation  sometimes  inflames  the  skin  and  necessitates  its 
discontinuance  for  a  time;  in  such  cases  it  will  be  well  to  wash  the  animal 
thoroughly,  and  return  to  the  oxide  of  zinc  ointment  or  the  use  of  fresh 
lard  or  vaseline.  In  cases  proving  obstinate  under  this  treatment,  it  would 
be  well  to  try  the  mixture  of  calomel  and  lime-water  for  which  the  name 
"black  wash  "  is  given.  As  a  general  rule  tarry  preparations  are  more 
appropriate  when  the  affected  parts  feel  stiff  and  rigid,  and  there  is  a  ten- 
dency to  the  formation  of  fissures. 

Preparations  of  lead  are  often  found  serviceable  in  the  treatment  of 
eczema;  diachylon  is  the  more  common  form  used,  and  can  be  made  into 
an  ointment  with  linseed  oil  equal  parts.  Its  long  continued  use  is  not 
advised,  poisoning  by  absorption  being  possible. 

The  number  of  proprietary  medicines  for  skin  disease  is  countless;  that 
all  are  positive  cures  is  assured  by  extensive  advertisements. 

The  writer  has  no  disposition  to  discuss  their  value;  many  have  virtues 
and  others  are  comparatively  worthless ;  none  are  infallible  cures.  Many 
of  these  preparations  are  made  of  the  oil  of  tar,  glycerin,  and  powdered 
sulphur;  to  others  are  added  prepared  chalk;  still  others  are  formed  of  the 
balsam  peru  and  alcohol,  generally  in  parts  one  to  five;  occasionally  is 
found  one,  the  basis  of  which  is  naptha.  All  of  these  agents  are  active, 
and  efficient  in  many  cases;  in  as  many  others  their  use,  independent  of 
constitutional  treatment,  can  accomplish  but  little. 

Reviewing  briefly  the  entire  subject,  we  have  in  eczema  a  disease  which 
can  be  cured.  The  fact  that  it  has  existed  for  a  long  time  renders  the 
prognosis  more  favorable,  as  in  many  cases  the  disease  alone  is  to  be  com- 
batted;  not  the  morbid  process  which  induced  it. 

In  the  earlier  stages  the  soothing  treatment  is  alone  admissible.  By  it 
the  intensity  of  the  disease  is  lessened,  even  if  recovery  does  not  result. 

While  the  eruption  is  localized  and  confined,  external  causes  very  likely 
induce  it;  on  the  other  hand,  when  the  eczema  is  more  or  less  general,  the 
cause  is  internal,  and  there  treatment  must  imperatively  be  addressed. 

In  all  cases  the  object  is  to  correct  abuses,  build  up  the  system,  improve 
the  general  strength,  and  render  the  condition  of  the  animal  as  near  per- 
fect as  possible. 


134  DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN. 

Stf(8C0<PTIC  M&NGE. 

The  sarcoptic  mange  is  an  artificial  eczema  occasioned  in  the  clog  by 
two  exciting  causes ;  one  the  irritation  of  an  insect  infesting  the  skin 
( Sarcoptes  Canis) ;  the  other  the  scratching  of  the  animal  in  consequence 
of  its  presence. 

This  insect,  the  Acarus,  an  animal  parasite,  is  maintained  by  the  nour- 
ishment it  draws  from  the  skin.  The  male  acarus  is  much  the  smaller, 
remains  in  short  burrows  or  vesicles,  while  the  female  tunnels  the  skin  in 
long  canals.  The  course  of  the  latter  is  to  seek  a  furrow  on  the  surface,  then 
to  attach  itself,  and  by  means  of  its  jaws  penetrate  the  outer  skin  or 
cuticle,  until  it  reaches  the  deeper  and  softer  layers  where  it  finds  its  nour- 
ishment. It  continues  to  burrow,  laying  one  egg  after  another  and 
blocking  up  the  passage  with  them.  A  young  acarus  is  developed  from 
the  egg  in  about  two  weeks,  and  the  number  of  eggs  one  insect  lays  is 
near  fifty.  This  production  goes  on  continuously  until  the  female  dies, 
which  is  generally  in  three  or  four  months. 

The  young  acari  as  soon  as  developed  scamper  over  the  surface,  bore 
quickly  beneath,  and  occasion  the  most  intolerable  itching.  Around  the 
furrows  form  first  small  pimples,  which  cbange  to  vesicles  and  pustules; 
from  them,  bloody  matter  exudes,  which  dries  and  produces  thick,  dark 
crusts. 

The  itching  caused  by  the  insects  on  the  surface  of  the  superficial  layers 
of  the  skin  incites  scratching ;  the  furrows  are  then  opened  and  the  acari 
set  free.  The  original  eruption  is  destroyed,  but  eczema  displaces  it, 
accompanied  by  the  itching  and  irritation  which  invariably  attends  it ; 
then  the  disease  increases  in  extent  and  intensity  as  it  progresses. 

"Diagnosis.  —By  a  careful  study  of  the  eruption  a  diagnosis  ought  easily 
to  be  reached,  and  less  difficulty  will  be  experienced  in  the  earlier  than  in 
the  later  stages.  The  condition  of  the  animal  and  manner  of  attack  will 
weigh  somewhat,  as  eczema  more  commonly  occurs  in  debilitated  sub- 
jects. If  other  dogs  in  the  same  kennel  are  similarly  affected,  it  would 
suggest  contagion. 

Vesicles  in  sarcoptic  mange  predominate  over  any  other  form  of  erup- 
tion at  first;  they  occur  alone  and  are  not  grouped  together  as  in  eczema; 
again  they  are  pointed,  not  flat  or  rounded  like  those  of  the  last  named 
disease. 

After  eczema  has  been  produced  by  scratching,  the  difficulty  of  diagnosis 
is  increased,  but  only  slightly  so,  for  new  vesicles  will  constantly  appear 
on  previously  unaffected  skin. 

Treatment.—  While  the  exciting  cause  of  sarcoptic  mange  is  acari, 
uncJeanliness  certainly  exerts  a  predisposing  influence,  and  this   fact 


SARCOPTIC  MANGE.  136 

should  impress  itself  when  treatment  is  undertaken.  When  satisfied  a 
dog  has  the  disease  under  consideration,  he  should  at  once  he  removed 
from  his  kennel,  his  bedding  burned,  and  hot  lime  impregnated  with  car- 
bolic acid  be  plentifully  used  in  every  part,  crack,  and  crevice  of  the 
building.  This  precautionary  treatment  should  be  renewed  at  intervals 
of  every  few  days  until  the  animal  has  recovered. 

Remedies  without  number  have  been  recommended  for  the  cure  of  sar- 
coptic  mange;  those  are  the  best  which  not  only  destroy  the  insects  and 
their  eggs  and  cause  the  secondary  eruptions  to  disappear,  but  as  well  cure 
the  eczema  which  the  scratching  of  the  animal  has  induced.  Sulphur  in 
some  form  is  the  sovereign  remedy,  united  with  other  agents  as  the  con- 
ditions indicate. 

In  commencing  treatment  it  is  well  to  thoroughly  wash  the  entire  body 
in  strong  soap  suds,  rinsing  carefully  in  luke  warm  water.  The  following 
ointment  should  then  be  used  freely,  covering  both  the  affected  and  unaf- 
fected parts.— 

R    Potass.  Carbonatis        gi 
Sulphur  Flor.  §  iij 

Glycerinae  5  vi 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  External. 

This  preparation  will  immediately  destroy  the  acari. 

The  balsam  peru  is  another  active  agent  in  this  disease,  and  may  be  used 
with  the  sulphur  as  follows.  — 

R    Sulphur  Flor. 

Bals.  Peru  aa     §  ss 

Adepis  §  ij 

Ft.  Ungt    Sig.  External. 

This  ointment  should  be  applied  three  times  a  day  for  a  week  and  then 
washed  off. 

Liquid  storax  and  lard  one  part  to  two,  is  a  favorite  mixture  with  some. 
Naphthol  is  a  very  active  agent  and  is  commonly  combined  as  follows.— 

R    Naphtholis  ?  ss 

Sapo.  Viridis  5  ij 

Adepis  §  viij 

Ft.  Ungt.    Sig.  External. 
The  entire  body  of  the  dog  should  be  freely  rubbed  with  this  ointment 
once  daily  for  two  or  three  days,  and  then  thoroughly  washed. 

In  some  breeds  of  dogs  the  skin  is  easily  irritated ;  for  them,  and  for 
house  pets  on  which  the  use  of  ointments  would  be  especially  unpleasant 
to  their  owners,  a  solution  may  be  made  as  follows :  — flowers  of  sulphur 


136  DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN 

two  pounds;  unslacked  lime  one  pound;  -water  two  gallons;  boil  down  to 
five  quarts  and  filter,  or  allow  it  to  stand  until  precipitated,  and  then  pour 
off  for  use  the  clear  fluid.  This  should  he  applied  freely  to  the  entire  hody 
and  gently  rubbed  into  the  parts  more  affected. 

Probabl}-  much  less  time  than  a  week  will  be  occupied  in  destroying  the 
acari;  if  eczema  remains,  appropriate  treatment  should  be  instituted  as 
advised  elsewhere  for  that  disease. 

It  should  be  remembered  that  while  sarcoptic  mange  is  purely  a  local 
affection,  in  nowise  dependent  upon  constitutional  disturbances;  yet  the 
annoyance  caused  by  the  itching,  the  loss  of  sleep,  the  effect  upon  the 
nervous  system,  etc.,  will  if  persistent,  very  probably  cause  derangements, 
which  will  in  turn  result  in  debility  and  an  impairment  of  the  general 
health. 


Follicular  M&wge. 

In  this  form  of  mange  the  hair  follicles  are  first  the  seat  of  the  disease; 
the  skin  and  subcutaneous  tissues  are  afterwards  involved  by  the  inflam- 
mation. The  affection  is  contagious  but  far  less  so  than  sarcoptic  mange 
and  its  occurrence  is  more  infrequent  among  dogs. 

Causation.  —While  the  disease  is  often  communicated  by  immediate 
contact,  certain  conditions  favor  this  form  of  parasite.  Lack  of  cleanli- 
ness, damp  kennels,  improper  food,  and  general  neglect  are  baneful 
influences  which  predispose  to  the  disorder.  The  spontaneous  origin  is 
however  yet  to  be  decided. 

Symptoms. — The  hair  follicles  first  become  inflamed,  and  the  skin  in 
proximity  is  infiltrated,  hot,  red,  and  tumefied;  a  few  pimples  or  papules 
are  then  to  be  detected.  The  hairs  from  the  affected  follicles  soon  fall  out, 
an  exudation  into  the  sacs  occurs  which  becomes  purulent,  and  pustules 
result.  The  pustules  which  are  flat  and  run  together,  soon  discharge  their 
contents  and  scabs  are  formed.  These  harden,  crack  open,  and  bleed 
slightly.  The  eruption  extends  rapidly  and  soon  the  disease  can  be  traced 
in  its  varying  stages. 

The  animal  becomes  exceedingly  repulsive,  not  only  in  appearance,  but 
emits  a  very  offensive  odor. 

Pain  rather  than  itching  is  characteristic  of  the  eruption.  The  disease 
may  attack  any  portion  of  the  body,  but  it  usually  appears  first  on  the  head. 

The  appetite  is  rarely  lessened.  As  the  disease  progresses,  loss  of  weight, 
debility,  and  impoverishment  of  the  general  system  results. 

diagnosis.  —When  the  eruption  first  appears  a  diagnosis  is  by  no  means 
easy,  still  the  hot,  tumefied  condition  of  the  skin,  and  absence  of  itching 


FOLLICULAR  MANGE.  137 

ought  to  reasonably  exclude  eczema  and  sarcoptic  mange,  the  diseases 
with  which  follicular  mange  is  liable  to  be  confounded.  The  rapid  prog- 
ress of  the  affection,  the  peculiar  appearance  of  the  pustules,  the  crusts, 
and  the  offensive  odor  are  diagnostic  points  strongly  indicative.  The 
microscope  if  used  will  remove  all  doubts. 

^Prognosis.  —Follicular  mange  is  a  curable  disease,  but  the  treatment 
must  be  persevered  in  for  a  long  time  even  after  recovery  appears  com- 
plete,  to  destroy  all  trace  of  the  parasitic  elements,  which  might  possibly 
remain  on  the  skin  and  hairs  and  again  become  active.  In  a  very  severe 
case  probably  from  six  to  eight  months  must  elapse  before  a  cure  can  be 
accomplished.   The  hair  will  eventually  be  nearly  if  not  entirely  renewed. 

Treatment.  —Follicular  mange  being  solely  a  local  affection,  only  rem- 
edies which  act  locally  are  needed  unless  symptoms  of  general  disturbance 
demand  constitutional  treatment. 

As  advised  in  sarcoptic  mange  the  kennel  must  be  completely  renovated. 
After  thoroughly  bathing  the  animal,  using  freely  carbolic  soap,  the  hair 
should  be  clipped  and  then  shaved  closely,  exposing  unaffected  skin  a  safe 
distance  from  the  eruption. 

If  the  disease  can  be  detected  before  crusts  are  formed,  painting  with 
the  balsam  peru  three  or  four  times  a  day  would  possibly  be  sufficient. 
Such  good  fortune  in  making  an  early  diagnosis  few  will  experience,  and 
other  treatment  will  be  more  often  found  essential. 

When  the  crusts  have  formed  it  will  be  necessary  to  remove  them,  to 
favor  the  action  of  the  remedies  applied.  The  animal  should  be  rubbed 
with  linseed  oil  or  common  lard,  a  large  quantity  being  used  in  the  opera- 
tion. The  crusts  will  loosen  in  from  twelve  to  twenty  four  hours.  The 
animal  should  again  be  washed,using  the  domestic  soft  soap,  and  rinsing 
well  finally. 

If  a  house  pet  is  under  treatment  and  ointments  are  objected  to,  either 
of  the  following  washes  may  be  used  and  applied  freely:  sulphurous 
acid  one  part  to  six  of  water;  carbolic  acid  two  drachms,  to  water  one 
pint;  balsam  peru  one  part,  alcohol  six  parts;  the  lime  and  sulphur  solu- 
tion advised  in  sarcoptic  mange  is  often  efficacious. 

Carbolic  acid  and  Canada  balsam  is  a  preparation,  which  if  judiciously 
used  is  most  admirable;  the  acid  enters  the  pustules  striking  at  the  very 
root  of  the  disease;  the  parasite  is  destroyed,  and  the  balsam  lessens  the 
irritation.  If  the  patches  of  eruption  are  but  few, the  remedy  may  be 
applied  in  equal  parts  by  penciling  each  pustule  with  a  camel's  hair  brush, 
every  two  or  three  days  or  even  every  day.  When  the  eruption  is  exten- 
sive, a  few  patches  can  be  touched  each  day  until  all  have  been  acted 
upon.  While  this  treatment  is  being  pursued,  an  ointment  of  creasote,  a 
remedy  highly  endorsed  by  many,  can  be  used  combined  with  other 


138  DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN.^ 

agents  as  follows.— 

R    Creasoti  5  i 

Ungt.  Hydrarg.  Nit.        5  ij 
Sulphuris  %  i 

Adepis  5  vi 

Ft.  Ungt.    Sig.  Apply  quite  freely  to  the  diseased  parts. 
The  proportion  of  carbolic  acid  to  the  Canada  balsam  might  be  lessened, 
say  one  to  eight,  and  used  more  freely,  but  its  efficacy  would  be  impaired, 
and  the  stronger  solution  ought  to  be  safely  used  without  danger  of  absorp- 
tion, as  it  needs  merely  a  trace  applied  to  the  centre  of  each  pustule. 


<P<RU<RIG0. 

Prurigo  is  a  disease  of  the  skin,  manifesting  itself  by  slightly  reddish, 
very  itchy  papules  of  about  the  size  of  a  pin  head.  This  eruption  may 
appear  differing  little  or  none  in  color  from  the  surrounding  skin,  and  be 
seen  with  difficulty ;  but  to  the  touch  it  is  obvious,  as  the  finger  passes 
over  the  region  affected,  the  papules  as  minute  elevations  cause  the  sur- 
face to  feel  rough  and  uneven.  The  intense  itching  induces  scratching;  the 
papules  are  laid  bare,  and  are  succeeded  by  blood-red  crusts  of  about  the 
same  size.  The  cause  of  prurigo  can  only  be  conjectured.  Various  specula- 
tions have  been  advanced;  thus,  certain  kinds  of  food,  worms,  kidney  dis- 
orders, debility,  poverty  of  blood  are  said  to  exert  predisposing  influences. 

The  disease  is  chronic,  and  at  times  exceedingly  obstinate.  Its  duration 
and  curability  are  uncertain.  In  young  animals  the  affection  often  yields 
very  readily,  but  in  old  dogs  with  worn  out  systems,  it  is  almost  incurable. 

In  the  treatment  it  is  important  to  correct  any  disorders,  and  apply  con- 
stitutional remedies  as  indicated.  Local  applications  are  of  benefit  in 
many  cases. 

When  the  disease  attacks  puppies,  frequent  washing,  using  the  sapo 
viridis,  and  afterwards  an  ointment  of  sulphur  and  lard,  is  often  sufficient. 
If  the  itching  is  uncontrollable  the  following  may  be  freely  applied.  — 
R     Tr.  Opii  3i 

Creasoti  gtt.xv 

Adepis  3  iij 

Ft.  Ungt,    Sig.  External. 

In  some  cases  the  oil  of  tar  and  glycerin,  one  part  to  four,  will  be  useful, 
or  the  tar  and  sulphur  ointment  recommended  in  eczema.  A  lotion  of 
carbolic  acid,  from  one  to  two  drachms  to  a  pint  of  water,  or  the  acid 
incorporated  with  lard,  from  five  to  ten  grains  to  the  ounce,  acts  well  in 
cases  where  the  itching  is  intense.  The  internal  use  of  iron,  arsenic,  and 
cod  liver  oil  is  advisable  in  cases  where  the  disease  is  of  long  standing. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN.  139 

(Pruritus, 

Prurigo  and  Pruritus  are  not  to  "be  confounded  as  being  expressive  of  the 
same  condition.  The  former  is  a  disease  always  associated  with  papular 
development,  while  the  latter  is  intense  itching,  purely  a  nervous  mani- 
festation, unattended  with  any  visible  changes  in  the  skin  or  tissues. 

Pruritus  is  a  special  form  of  shin  irritation  connected  with  many  physi- 
ological changes.  Thus,  in  diseases  of  the  kidneys,  jaundice,  and  other 
liver  disorders,  plethora  due  to  over  feeding  and  want  of  exercise,  piles, 
worms,  constipation,  indigestion,  and  a  sluggish  cutaneous  circulation 
from  lack  of  cleanliness  and  proper  grooming,  are  influences  which  in- 
duce pruritus.  The  affection  is  not  uncommon  in  old  dogs  dependent  upon 
the  invariable  changes  in  the  skin  induced  by  age. 

In  young  dogs  the  disease  is  more  common  among  those  of  a  highly 
nervous  temperament,  possibly  the  result  of  continued  inbreeding.  When 
intense  itching  exists  the  animal  must  be  very  carefully  examined  to 
determine  if  possible  the  cause.  Pruritus  must  not  be  accepted  as  the 
diagnosis  until  all  doubt  as  to  the  existence  of  diseases  of  the  skin  and 
parasites  is  removed. 

The  condition  of  the  animal  will  suggest  what  constitutional  treatment 
to  employ.  All  disorders  are  to  be  overcome  and  the  general  health  im- 
proved by  medicine,  dieting,  proper  exercise,  etc. 

Frequent  bathing  or  immersions  in  cold  water  when  the  weather  per- 
mits, or  the  use  of  diluted  vinegar  or  alcohol  as  lotions,  are  the  local 
treatments  to  employ. 


Favvs. 

This  disease  for  which  a  variety  of  names  is  given,  among  them  honey- 
comb ringworm,  is  characterized  by  the  formation  of  sulphur-yellow 
crusts.  These  are  generally  rounded  and  present  a  peculiar  appearance; 
in  their  earlier  stages  they  resemble  much  the  eruption  in  ringworm, 
namely :  thin,  roundish  scales  pierced  by  a  hair.  These  scales  then  form 
in  their  centre  a  yellow  prominence  which  rapidly  increases  in  size 
and  at  their  bases  the  surface  is  slightly  hollow ;  thus  nearly  all  present 
an  outer  concave  and  an  inner  convex  surface,  what  is  called  a  crab's  eye 
appearance. 

The  crusts  throw  off  a  peculiar  musty  odor,  and  when  removed  a  cup- 
like depression  is  found  in  the  skin,  which  may  be  ulcerated  or  have  but 
a  thin  scarf-skin  covering  it. 

In  some  instances  the  disease  appears  as  minute  vesicles,  formed  in 
circles,  which  dry  to  yellow  crusts  (scutula), 


740  DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN. 

Favus  is  a  disease  rarely  seen  in  the  clog;  it  is  the  result  of  a  parasite 
which  penetrates  deeply;  the  hairs  then  becoming  brittle ,  lose  their  lustre 
and  finally  fall  out.  Itching  is  not  a  symptom,  the  eruption  being  attended 
with  pain.  Damp  kennels  and  general  neglect  favor  this  affection  as  they 
do  other  parasitic  diseases  of  a  similar  nature. 

Treatment.  —  The  crusts  should  first  be  soaked  with  oil  or  lard,  then 
removed,  and  the  hair  shaved.  Many  local  remedies  have  been  advised ; 
among  them  the  oleate  of  copper  promises  especially  well.  The  sulphuret 
of  potassium  is  an  agent  of  great  value  in  parasitic  diseases,  and  if  the 
eruption  is  not  extensive  may  be  applied  in  the  following  compound. — 
R  Potassii  Sulphureti  3  i 
Sapo.  Viridis  £ss 

Adepis  §  iss 

Ft.  Ungt.    Sig.  Apply  three  times  daily. 
Where  the  disease  is  extensive,  the  quantity  of  potassium  should  be  les- 
sened one  half  or  one  fourth  as  it  appears  judicious. 

The  solution  of  carbolic  acid  and  Canada  balsam  advised  in  follicular 
mange,  will  prove  as  destructive  in  favus  as  in  that  disease,  and  if  used, 
the  same  caution  is  to  be  observed.  The  hair  will  be  renewed  excepting 
where  the  crusts  have  persisted  too  long,  and  by  pressure  on  the  skin 
induced  ulceration,  which  in  healing  has  left  a  scar. 


(Ringworm. 

This  affection  is  occasionally  met  with  in  canine  practice.  It  is  due  to  a 
parasite  identical  with  that  in  favus,  and  is  the  exciting  element  in  both 
diseases.  The  same  influences  are  active  in  propagating  all  forms  of  vege- 
table parasites  or  fungi ;  warmth  and  moisture  favor  them,  and  thus  damp 
kennels,  unclean  bedding,  and  general  neglect  are  predisposing  causes. 

Ringworm  is  very  easily  communicated  by  contact ;  animals  may  trans- 
mit the  affection  to  man  or  by  turn  be  infected.  The  disease  manifests  it- 
self in  round  patches  which  are  covered  with  thin  scales  or  crusts  easily 
detached.  It  spreads  quite  uniformly,  enlarging  its  circle  on  the  outer 
edge  of  which  the  eruption  is  more  prominent,  receding  as  it  were  from 
the  centre.  The  hair  becomes  dry  and  harsh,  losing  its  elasticity  and 
breaks  off  or  falls  out. 

Ringworm  may  appear  in  the  form  of  small  pointed  vesicles,  containing 
a  clear  fluid,  and  arranged  in  a  circular  form;  or  it  may  take  the  form  of 
pale,  red  spots,  having  a  small  whitish  scale  in  their  centre. 

2'reatment.  —  The  destruction  of  the  parasite  which  excites  the  disease 
ought  not  be  difficult.    The  hair  should  be  shaved  sufficiently  beyond  the 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIX.  141 

eruption  to  insure  all  affected  parts  are  exposed;  then  crusts  are  to  be 
removed  by  soaking  with  oil  or  lard,  after  which  the  animal  should  be 
thoroughly  washed  in  strong  soap  suds. 

The  local  applications  advised  are  numberless;  among  the  more  efficient 
are  the  black  wash,  tincture  of  iodine,  and  balsam  of  peru.  A  very  suc- 
cessful method  is  to  paint  the  spots  well  every  two  days  for  a  week  with 
the  tincture  of  iodine,  applying  several  coats  at  each  operation;  on  the 
intervening  days,  and  after  the  week  has  passed,  a  preparation  of  carbolic 
acid  grains  twenty,  oxide  of  zinc  ointment  one  ounce,  should  be  used. 

If  the  ringworm  has  existed  a  long  time  and  the  parts  are  infiltrated,  the 
oil  of  tar  should  be  applied  after  the  parasite  has  been  destroyed,  and  may 
be  combined  with  glycerin,  one  part  to  three.  Only  a  short  time  will  be 
needed  to  effect  a  cure.  After  exposure  of  an  animal  to  the  disease,  from 
one  to  two  weeks  is  required  for  its  development. 


ERYTHEMA. 

Erythema  is  an  inflammation  of  the  skin  which  appears  either  in  the 
form  of  superficially  inflamed  patches,  pimples,  or  lumps  called  nodules. 

The  accompanying  symptoms  are  redness,  some  tenderness,  and  a  slight 
itching.  The  eruption  may  disappear  spontaneously  leaving  no  trace,  or 
the  skin  may  burst,  a  watery  discharge  follow,  and  crusts  form. 

All  parts  of  the  body  are  liable  to  be  attacked,  but  the  head  and  extrem- 
ities are  more  commonly  affected. 

Writers  differ  materially  as  to  the  cause  of  erythema ;  it  is  generally 
believed  to  be  due  to  local  influences,  and  to  constitutional  disturbances. 
Unclean  bedding,  hair  long  and  matted,  retaining  the  decomposing  excre- 
tions from  the  skin,  heat,  cold,  friction,  and  gastric  irritation  are  exciting 
influences.    Erythema  is  a  non-contagious  affection. 

Treatment '.—If  a  cause  can  be  determined  it  should  be  combatted; 
cleanliness  is  one  great  essential ;  the  skin  should  be  kept  clean  by  fre- 
quent bathing,  after  which  the  oxide  of  zinc  should  be  applied,  either  in 
powdered  form  or  as  an  ointment. 

Matted  hair  should  be  removed  by  clipping,  and  appropriate  treatment 
is  to  be  instituted  if  constitutional  disturbances  exist. 


Erysipelas. 


Erysipelas  is  an  inflammation  of  the  skin  which  tends  to  spread  rapidly 
over  large  surfaces,  accompanied  by  severe  constitutional  symptoms. 
The  disease  is  assumed  to  be  blood  poisoning  and  may  be  caused  by  con- 


142  DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN 

tagion,  or  by  local  infection  as  in  wounds  and  diseases  of  the  skin.  Other 
causes  have  been  assigned  by  certain  writers  but  the  most  eminent  author- 
ities maintain  the  disease  is  never  spontaneous,  but  to  produce  it  there 
must  be  some  irritating  matter  with  inflammatory  properties  introduced 
into  the  system,  and  circulated  in  the  skin. 

Erysipelas  is  known  by  redness  of  the  skin,  some  swelling,  heat,  and 
severe  pain.  In  rare  instances  the  eruption  may  remain  confined  to  the 
spot  first  affected,  but  it  usually  spreads  rapidly,  disappearing  in  the  parts 
first  attacked  as  it  extends.  The  constitutional  symptoms  are  often  very 
severe.  The  disease  is  generally  ushered  in  by  a  chill  as  shown  by  shiver- 
ing; then  follows  pain,  rapid,  bounding  pulse,  fever,  thirst,  and  often 
vomiting.  As  the  eruption  extends  these  symptoms  become  more  promi- 
nent and  may  assume  a  low  typhoidal  type.  The  disease  is  one  of  great 
severity,  and  dangerous  unless  the  eruption  remains  confined  to  the  spot 
where  it  first  appeared.  If  it  can  be  arrested  early  the  chances  of  recov- 
ery are  much  more  favorable. 

The  general  condition  of  the  animal  must  be  considered  in  treatment. 
If  plethoric  and  of  inflammable  tendency  a  cathartic  should  be  given  on 
the  first  occurrence  of  the  eruption.  Throughout  the  course  of  the  disease, 
supportive  measures  are  to  be  employed.  The  diet  should  be  nutritious 
and  concentrated,  given  more  generously  as  the  disease  progresses ;  milk, 
beef  tea,  raw  eggs,  and  scraped  raw  beef  are  the  principal  articles  to  be 
depended  upon.  Pain  should  be  controlled  by  laudanum  in  fifteen  drop 
doses,  repeated  as  the  need  is  apparent. 

In  very  severe  cases  the  tincture  of  the  chloride  of  iron  should  be  given 
in  ten  drop  doses,  every  three  hours  in  a  little  water.  If  the  animal  shows 
signs  of  sinking,  two  teaspoonfuls  of  brandy  should  be  given  from  two  to 
four  hours.  Quinine  in  one  or  two  grain  doses  may  be  added  to  the  treat- 
ment if  the  pulse  becomes  soft  and  weak.  Local  measures  are  to  be  em- 
ployed to  allay  the  irritation,  and  arrest  the  extension  of  the  disease. 
While  fever  exists  ice  cold  preparations  are  preferable,  and  the  affected 
parts  should  be  kept  constantly  wret  with  the  following  solution.  —  Acid. 
Acet.  Dil.  3ij;  Liq.  Plumbi  Subacet.  §ij;  Tr.  Opii  Hi;  Aquae  ad.  Oi.  Ft. 
Mist.  Sig.  External  use  only. 

As  the  fever  abates  cold  applications  may  be  displaced  by  an  ointment 
made  of  carbolic  acid  one  drachm,  the  oxide  of  zinc  ointment  six  ounces. 

If  pus  forms  it  should  be  evacuated  by  incisions,  severaJ  small  ones 
being  advised  rather  than  a  larger  opening.  After  the  operation  the 
wounds  are  to  be  treated  with  flaxseed  poultices  as  in  cases  of  abscesses. 

If  the  stomach  becomes  much  disturbed  and  vomiting  frequent,  the  diet 
must  be  reduced  to  milk  and  lime  water,  the  tonics  be  temporarily  sus- 
pended, and  five  grain  doses  of  bismuth  given  every  two  hours. 


CHti<PTE<R    XIII. 


IJYTESTIJY&L   <P&R&SITES. 


A  study  of  the  anatomical  structure  of  worms,  their  physiological  phe- 
nomena, and  natural  history  is  highly  interesting,  and  productive  of 
valuable  results ;  still  those  considerations  which  relate  directly  to  dis- 
eased states  in  consequence  of  their  presence,  will  he  of  far  greater 
practical  importance  to  the  reader. 

Dr.  Cobbold  in  his  able  and  exhaustive  treatise  on  "  The  Internal  Para- 
,  sites  of  our  Domesticated  Animals  "  states,  "  when  people  speak  of  worms 
in  the  dog,  they  commonly  refer  to  round  and  tape  worms;  and  in  place 
of  recognizing  as  they  might,  fully  a  score  or  more  of  intestinal  parasites, 
they  are  content  to  roll  the  entire  series  into  three  or  four  species  only. 
Thus,  of  the  so-called  lumbricoid  and  filariform  worms,  we  have  no  less 
than  eight  or  nine  distinct  forms,  and  of  these  the  most  common  species 
is  the  marginated  round  worm." 

In  the  recognition  and  treatment  of  disorders  consequent  upon  worms 
it  would  seem  wiser  to  leave  the  scientific  study  to  zoologists  and  special- 
ists, and  to  avoid  confusion  to  reduce  the  classification  in  this  work  to  the 
limit  of  practicability. 

Probably  no  known  disorder  the  dog  is  heir  to  is  so  destructive  as  intes- 
tinal worms,  it  being  estimated  by  reliable  authorities,  that  at  least  three 
fourths  of  the  whole  canine  race  are  infected  by  the  pest. 

Among  the  many  different  species  of  internal  parasites  some  are  found 
in  the  liver,  others  in  the  eye;  the  giant  strongle  although  rare,  has  been 
known  to  infest  the  kidneys ;  the  wrinkled  thread-worm  sometimes  reaches 
the  bladder;  the  cruel  thread-worm  selects  the  heart,  death  resulting  sud- 
denly in  a  convulsion,  or  deferred  for  a  time,  during  which  the  dog  is 
racked  by  agonizing  pain ;  in  the  nasal  cavities  and  even  in  the  blood  and 
muscular  tissues,  parasites  have  been  found. 

These  facts  are  of  interest  but  of  little  practical  importance,  and  it  is  by 
far  more  essential  to  consider  those  which  are  developed  in  the  stomach 
and  intestines. 


144  INTESTIXAL  PARASITES. 

This  lurnbricoid  is  the  principal  roun cl -worm  found  in  dogs ;  itresem- 
bles  the  common  earth-worm,  and  varies  in  length  from  two  to  six  inches. 
It  is  of  a  pale  pink  color,  perfectly  round  in  shaxoe,  and  tapers  towards 
each  extremity. 

Round-worms  inhabit  the  small  Intestines,  often  migrating  into  the 
stomach,  from  which  they  are  expelled  by  vomiting;  but  more  often  they 
seek  the  large  intestine  and  pass  out  with  the  discharges.  In  rare  instan- 
ces they  have  been  known  to  wander  into  the  gall  bladder  and  biliary 
ducts,  giving  rise  to  abscess  of  the  liver;  even  the  panci-eatic  duct  has  not 
escaped  invasion. 

That  certain  special  conditions  are  required  for  the  formation  of  round- 
worms is  evident  from  the  fact  that  they  are  more  common  in  puppies 
and  young  dogs.  As  regards  the  nature  of  the  conditions,  little  or  noth- 
ing is  known ;  mucus  in  abundance  is  supposed  to  be  the  repository  of 
the  ova  or  eggs  from  which  they  are  propagated.  The  female  round- 
worm is  marvel ously  productive.  Eschright  estimated  in  the  body  of  the 
female  lurnbricoid  found  in  the  intestines  of  man,  the  number  of  eggs  to 
be  sixty-four  millions.  These  are  discharged  with  the  feces  and  retain 
their  vitality  for  many  months.  It  is  conjectured  that  ova  are  introduced 
into  the  intestinal  canal  through  the  medium  of  the  drinking  water  and 
food. 

Symptoms  denoting  the  existence  of  these  or  other  worms  within  the 
intestinal  canal  are  in  some  instances  obscure,  in  others  prominent.  At 
times  but  little  derangement  is  noted ;  again  profound  disturbance  results. 

The  morbid  effects  of  worms  in  dogs  cannot  be  exaggerated;  that  they 
may  give  rise  to  convulsions,  chorea,  paralysis,  and  other  affections  of 
the  nervous  system  is  very  generally  conceded. 

The  more  common  symptoms  denoting  worms  are  great  abdominal  dis- 
tention or  bloating,  vastly  disproportionate  to  the  amount  of  food  taken, 
indigestion,  colic  pains,  diarrhoea,  vomiting,  emaciation,  voracious  appe- 
tite, nose  hot  and  dry,  cough,  offensive  odor  to  the  breath,  disturbed, 
dreamy  sleep,  and  a  rough,  dry,  harsh  coat. 

Frequently  puppies  and  more  rarely  old  dogs  partially  lose  the  power 
of  their  hind  legs,  and  rapidly  recover  as  soon  as  a  discharge  of  worms 
occurs.  Paralysis  induced  by  this  cause  is  functional  and  rarely  if  ever 
complete. 

Treatment. — For  the  expulsion  of  the  round-worm  numberless  drugs 
have  been  advised.  It  must  be  remembered  that  natures  and  conditions 
vaiy ;  remedies  which  in  some  cases  are  effectual  in  others  are  inactive ; 
for  this  reason,  when  there  is  presumptive  evidence  of  the  existence  of 


A  SCAB  IS  MARGINATA.  146 

worms,  absolute  dependence  should  not  be  placed  upon  any  one  agent, 
but  others  should  be  given  after  a  proper  interval  has  been  allowed. 

Treatment  for  round-worms  should  always  be  premised  by  fasting  and  a 
purgative.  Food  should  be  denied  puppies  for  twelve  hours  at  least,  and 
old  dogs  twenty-four  hours.  Castor  oil  is  the  better  purgative  to  adminis- 
ter, and  should  be  given  six  or  eight  hours  before  the  worm  medicine  is 
employed. 

Among  the  more  reliable  agents  destructive  of  round-worms,  santonine 
in  two  grain  doses,  is  one  of  the  most  active ;  it  is  insoluble  or  nearly  so, 
and  passes  into  the  small  intestines  and  acts  on  them  as  a  poison.  It  will 
be  easily  taken  in  pill  form  mixed  with  lard,  and  can  be  given  two  or  three 
times  a  day ;  after  the  second  or  third  day  a  generous  dose  of  castor  oil 
should  be  administered  and  the  santonine  discontinued. 

The  oil  of  turpentine  as  a  vermifuge  is  highly  esteemed,  especially  In 
tape-worm.  In  cases  of  round-worms  which  do  not  yield  to  other  agents, 
this  remedy  could  be  tried.  Its  action  is  to  destroy  or  debilitate  the 
parasite,  which  losing  its  hold  upon  the  bowels,  is  then  easily  discharged. 
When  worms  exist  in  the  stomach  they  are  by  its  action  killed,  and  then 
digested  as  any  other  dead  animal  matter. 

It  is  to  be  remembered  that  turpentine  in  small  doses,  frequently  re- 
peated, stimulates  the  kidneys,  increasing  the  secretion  of  urine,  and 
often  producing  if  long  continued,  painful  irritation  of  the  urinaiy  pas- 
sages, amounting  sometimesto  complete  stoppage.  Large  closes  generally 
act  speedily  on  the  bowels,  in  which  case  the  oil  is  hurried  out,  and  no 
time  being  allowed  for  absorption,  it  is  less  liable  to  irritate  the  kidneys 
and  bladder  than  in  small  and  repeated  doses. 

When  proper  precautions,  suggested  by  the  physiological  action  of  tur- 
pentine, are  observed,  the  remedy  is  not  only  harmless  but  very  efficient ; 
fifteen  drops  can  be  given  twice  a  day  for  a  week  without  injury.  If  at 
the  end  of  this  time  worms  are  not  expelled,  it  would  be  well  to  give  one 
final  large  dose  of  one  teaspoonful,  and  if  it  does  not  operate  freely  in 
two  hours  then  administer  castor  oil.  The  turpentine  can  be  given  in 
milk  or  beaten  up  with  a  raw  egg  and  a  little  sweet  oil. 

Pinkroot  is  a  drug  which  has  been  much  used  as  a  vermifuge,  and  is 
reasonably  safe  and  reliable.  In  very  large  doses  it  has  a  narcotic  effect, 
but  this  is  altogether  obviated  by  combining  it  with  cathartics.  The  fluid 
extract  of  pinkroot  and  senna  is  a  combination  which  acts  admirably  in 
many  cases  of  worms  in  puppies,  causing  little  or  no  gastric  disturbance. 
The  dose  for  them  when  four  or  Ave  weeks  old  is  fifteen  drops ;  for  matured 
dogs,  from  one  to  two  teaspoonsful  in  a  little  water.  In  all  cases  this  rem- 
edy should  be  given  twice  a  day  for  three  or  four  days,  after  which  a 
generous  dose  of  castor  oil  should  be  administered. 


146  ASCARIS  MARGINATA. 

In  giving  medicines  for  the  destruction  of  worms,  certain  precautions 
in  feeding  should  he  observed.  If  but  one,  and  a  large  dose  of  a  drug  is  to 
he  depended  upon,  food  should  he  withheld  until  after  the  howels  have 
moved  freely.  If  the  drug  has  to  he  given  three  or  four  days,  the  diet 
should  he  simple  and  as  limited  as  the  condition  of  the  animal  will  permit, 
and  as  long  an  interval  as  possible  between  the  feeding  and  the  adminis- 
tration of  the  medicine  be  allowed. 

Other  drugs,  among  them  areca  nut,  are  to  a  certain  extent  active  in  the 
destruction  of  the  round-worm ;  they  are  however  more  deadly  to  the  tape- 
worm and  will  he  considered  among  the  remedies  advised  for  the  removal 
of  that  pest. 

Considering  the  great  fatality  among  puppies  caused  by  worms,  not 
alone  of  the  greatest  importance  is  the  treatment  after  their  existence  is 
obvious,  but  a  means  preventive  is  equally  as  urgently  demanded. 

Charcoal  is  an  agent  easily  obtained,  perfectly  harmless,  and  of  value 
not  only  as  a  vermifuge  but  as  a  preventive.  The  digestive  organs  of  very 
young  puppies  are  easily  disordered,  but  few  drugs  can  be  well  borne 
without  discomfort,  or  temporary  derangement,  and  undoubtedly  many 
are  sacrificed  to  injudicious  dosing. 

Charcoal  in  a  reasonable  quantity  is  not  only  incapable  of  injuring  even 
the  weakest  stomach,  but  is  an  admirable  agent  in  indigestion  and  intes- 
tinal irritation.  As  these  disorders  are  commonly  induced  by  the  presence 
of  worms ;  had  charcoal  no  other  action  than  to  merely  allay  irritation  and 
promote  digestion,  its  administration  would  be  advisable.  It  has  however 
another  and  decided  action  on  intestinal  worms  in  young  puppies,  causing 
their  expulsion  and  exerting  a  preventive  influence  as  well.  In  what 
manner  this  agent  acts  is  unexplained,  it  may  be  through  its  known 
power  as  a  disorganizcr  of  animal  and  vegetable  bodies,  or  by  destroying 
the  conditions  that  favor  the  propagation  of  the  ova. 

Of  its  action  on  worms  in  matured  animals,  the  writer  has  not  from 
experience  a  knowledge.  It  has  long  been  his  custom  to  use  powdered 
charcoal  in  the  treatment  of  very  young  puppies,  mixing  it  with  their  food 
several  times  a  week ;  dose  immediately  after  weaning,  from  one  fourth 
to  one  half  a  teaspoonful ;  for  matured  animals,  the  dose  is  two  teaspoons- 
ful.    The  granular  form  is  advised  for  older  dogs. 

Charcoal  is  much  less  active  in  immediately  expelling  worms  than  many 
other  agents,  and  where  their  presence  is  indicated  by  marked  symptoms, 
the  more  powerful  remedies  should  be  used.  When  this  urgent  need  is 
not  manifest  and  yet  the  existence  of  worms  is  suspected,  the  adminis- 
tration of  charcoal  every  day  for  a  week  or  longer,  can  do  no  harm  and 
may  be  productive  of  much  benefit.  As  a  preventive  it  should  be  given 
with  the  food  two  or  three  times  a  week. 


INTESTINAL  PARASITES.  147 


T^&jvm. 


The  taenia  or  tape-worm  is  distinguished,  as  the  names  imply,  by  its 
ribbon  like  form.  It  is  composed  of  numerous  joints,  each  of  which  in  the 
complete  state  is  provided  with  male  and  female  generative  organs.  It  is 
really  a  collection  of  animals,  having  an  alternate  generative  power. 
From  the  head  are  produced  the  segments  or  joints  by  a  process  of  bud- 
ding. 

The  head  is  provided  with  suckers,  and  in  some  instances  with  hooks, 
by  which  means  it  firmly  fixes  itself  to  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  intes- 
tine into  which  it  has  been  introduced.  The  segments  then  multiply, 
lengthening  the  chain  as  it  were,  and  increase  in  size  and  sexual  develop- 
ment. They  remain  joined  together  until  fully  matured,  and  then  separate 
from  the  colony.  They  generate  eggs  which  contain  the  embryo  or  germ 
from  which  other  taenia  are  developed.  If  these  enter  the  stomach  of  a 
suitable  animal,  their  envelopes  become  softened  or  ruptured  and  the 
embryos  are  set  free.  In  some  way  or  other  they  leave  the  digestive  canal 
and  make  their  way  to  different  parts  of  the  body,  meeting  with  condi- 
tions favorable  to  their  development.  Should  these  now  be  introduced 
into  the  intestinal  canal  of  another  animal ,  they  would  fasten  themselves  to 
the  mucous  membrane  and  again  a  collection  or  colony  of  tape-worms  be- 
comes developed. 

To  render  this  method  of  transmission  clearer  by  illustration,  the  ogg 
from  the  taenia  of  the  dog  if  received  into  the  body  of  a  sheep,  there  finds 
in  certain  parts  of  the  organism  the  conditions  necessary  for  its  develop- 
ment and  growth,  and  becomes  what  is  known  as  the  ccenurus  cerebralis, 
a  parasite  found  in  the  sheep's  brain,  which  if  eaten  by  the  dog  becomes 
the  taenia  found  in  the  intestine  of  that  animal. 

Another  method  of  propagation  is  illustrative ;  segments  of  a  tape-worm 
are  passed  by  a  dog  so  infested,  or  they  make  their  escape  from  the  bowels 
and  locate  themselves  among  the  hairs  of  the  coat  and  deposit  their  eggs. 
If  the  animal  is  unfortunate  enough  to  be  affected  with  lice  ( Trichodectes 
Canis ),  these  eggs  are  swallowed  by  them.  Within  the  bodies  of  the  lice 
the  eggs  meet  with  conditions  which  favor  the  rupture  of  their  envelopes, 
and  the  embryos  escape  and  another  transformation  takes  place.  In  biting 
the  parts  irritated  by  them  the  lice  are  often  swallowed  by  the  dog,  and 
thus  the  germ  enters  and  is  developed  into  a  perfect  taenia  in  the  intestinal 
canal  which  it  left  as  an  egg  but  a  few  weeks  previous.  Through  this 
method  of  transmission  an  animal  may  continually  infect  himself,  or  by 
depositing  the  lice  containing  the  embryos  in  the  kennel,  shaking  them 
from  his  coat  into  the  drinking  water  or  food,  they  may  be  introduced  into 
the  bodies  of  other  dogs,  and  they  in  turn  become  infected. 


148  TAENIA. 

Other  parasites  besides  lice  act  as  mediums  and  supply  the  conditions 
favorable  to  transmission  and  propagation. 

The  history  of  the  development  of  tape-worm  in  a  general  way  suggests 
the  manner  in  which  they  may  be  acquired.  It  is  necessary  that  a  living 
embryo  be  first  introduced  into  the  stomach.  This  usually  happens  from 
eating  infested  meat,  which  has  not  been  sufficiently  cooked  to  destroy 
the  embryos  or  render  them  incapable  of  further  development. 

It  is  of  interest  to  know  that  in  certain  countries,  taenia  with  but  rare 
exceptions  infests  all  the  inhabitants,  among  whom  raw  cow's  flesh  is 
looked  upon  as  the  greatest  delicacy.  In  this  instance  both  men  and  cattle 
furnish  the  conditions  favorable  to  propagation. 

Several  varieties  of  tape-worm  infest  the  canine  race,  and  are  found  at 
every  period  of  life  although  most  rarely  among  puppies.  As  regards 
medical  practice,  the  discrimination  is  of  but  little  importance,  the  same 
measures  of  treatment  being  alike  applicable  to  all. 

The  most  common  form  is  cucumerine  ( Taenia  Cucumerina) .  This  is  a 
delicate  tape-worm  which  measures  from  ten  to  twenty  inches  in  length. 
The  anterior  portion  of  the  body  is  like  a  thread,  and  the  segments  are 
short  but  lengthen  towards  the  tail.  As  they  ripen  the  divisions  between 
the  segments  become  more  marked  so  that  the  worm  presents  a  chain- 
like appearance.  They  move  about  actively  in  the  intestinal  canal,  and 
are  expelled  with  the  feces  or  escape  of  themselves. 

The  largest  tape-worm  found  in  the  dog  is  the  marginated,  ( Taenia  Mar- 
ginata )  which  may  reach  ten  feet  in  length  and  the  germ  from  which  it  is 
propagated  is  derived  from  the  sheep. 

Among  certain  sporting  dogs  the  taenia  serrata  is  the  more  common,  and 
the  parasite  from  which  it  is  developed  is  furnished  by  the  hare  and  rab- 
bit. This  tape-worm  varies  from  two  to  three  feet  in  length.  Many  other 
varieties  exist,  a  study  of  which  would  be  interesting  but  of  little  practi- 
cal benefit. 

Symptoms .  —The  symptoms  especially  due  to  the  presence  of  tape- 
worm are  but  vague  and  indefinite.  Disturbances  of  digestion,  nutrition, 
and  of  the  nervous  system  occur,  but  in  many  instances  are  not  suffi- 
ciently prominent  to  clearly  indicate  the  existence  of  taenia. 

When  the  appetite  is  voracious,  and  the  animal  seems  strong,  active, 
and  apparently  in  good  health  yet  poor  in  flesh,  if  tonic  treatment  is  em- 
ployed and  still  the  animal  remains  emaciated,  then  the  presence  of  a 
tape-worm  should  be  strongly  suspected,  and  the  discharges  from  the 
bowels  carefully  examined.  The  appearance  of  segments  among  the  feces 
will  be  of  course  conclusive  evidence,  and  yet  it  must  be  remembered 
that  some  are  so  small,  others  so  delicate,  they  are  casil y  overlooked ;  again 
it  is  doubted  if  some  forms  of  the  parasites  are  expelled  spontaneously. 


INTESTINAL  PARASITES  140 

In  summarizing,  it  is  advised  that  all  facts  be  weighed  carefully,  and 
every  effort  made  to  positively  determine  the  existence  or  non-existence 
of  tape-worm;  then  if  in  doubt,  give  the  animal  the  benefit  of  it  and  admin- 
ister worm  remedies. 

Treatment.  —  A  cure  of  tape-worm  can  only  be  complete  when  the  head 
is  expelled.  After  treatment  has  been  employed  the  discharges  should  be 
carefully  examined  to  positively  determine  if  it  has  been  successful.  By 
a  careful  use  of  water  the  solid  constituents  can  be  washed  away  and  the 
worm  exposed.  If  the  head  is  not  found  or  escapes  observation,  the  ques- 
tion of  complete  cure  must  remain  undecided  for  two  or  three  months, 
during  which  period  the  discharges  from  the  intestinal  canal  should  be 
occasionally  examined  for  segments.  If  at  the  end  of  that  time  none  have 
been  detected,  it  may  be  concluded  the  cure  is  perfect,  as  had  the  head 
been  retained  the  worm  would  have  again  reached  maturity. 

It  is  judicious  to  employ  preparatory  treatment  before  an  actual  cure  is 
attempted. 

The  object  is  to  empty  thereby  the  intestinal  canal,  so  that  the  worm 
may  be  detached  and  expelled  more  quickly.  The  animal  if  matured 
should  be  denied  solid  food  for  twenty-four  hours,  being  allowed  only  a 
very  little  milk  or  broth,  and  a  dose  of  castor  oil  ought  to  be  administered 
the  day  previous  to  the  giving  of  the  vermifuge.  A  stronger  purgative  is 
not  judicious  as  it  is  liable  to  disjoint  the  worm  and  the  remaining  at- 
tached portion  will  be  with  greater  difficulty  expelled. 

Among  the  most  active  agents  destructive  of  tape-worm  are  areca  nut, 
turpentine,  koosso,  male  fern,  kamala,  and  santonine. 

Areca  nut,  or  betel  nut  as  it  is  called,  can  be  given  with  perfect  safety. 
It  should  be  obtained  in  the  solid  form  and  the  darker  colored  selected  as 
being  much  stronger  than  the  lighter.  It  should  only  be  reduced  to  a  pow- 
der by  grating  just  before  required  for  use.  The  dose  is  one  drachm,  and 
is  better  given  in  the  form  of  a  large  pill  or  bolus  incorporated  with  lard. 

The  manner  of  giving  turpentine  and  santonine  has  already  been  de- 
scribed in  the  treatment  of  round-worms. 

Koosso  operates  exclusively  as  a  poison  on  the  tape-worm  and  seems 
equally  as  effectual  in  all  varieties.  The  dose  is  two  drachms  and  before 
administration  should  be  mixed  with  a  cup  of  warm  water  and  allowed 
to  stand  for  fifteen  minutes. 

Male  fern  was  very  much  used  by  the  ancients  as  a  vermifuge.  Its  espec- 
ial efficacy  is  in  the  treatment  of  tape-worm,  upon  which  it  acts  as  a 
poison. 

The  medicine  may  be  given  in  the  form  of  a  powder,  but  the  etherial 
extract  (  oil  of  fern  )  is  to  be  preferred.  The  dose  of  the  latter  is  from  ten 
to  fifteen  drops  and  should  be  given  well  beaten  into  a  raw  egg.    The 


ISO  TAENIA. 

method  of  some  is  to  administer  ten  drops  at  night  and  repeat  in  the 
morning,  and  followed  at  the  interval  of  an  hour,  hy  a  generous  dose  of 
castor  oil. 

Kamala  is  a  vermifuge  strongly  urged  by  many.  The  dose  is  one  and 
one-half  drachms,  and  can  be  given  suspended  in  milk.  Other  drugs  have 
been  advised,  and  for  each  especial  merits  have  been  claimed,  but  a  de- 
scription of  them  is  unnecessary  as  the  most  reliable  agents  have  been 
selected. 

If  two  or  three  hours  after  giving  the  worm-cure  the  bowels  do  not  move 
actively,  a  full  dose  of  castor  oil  should  be  administered. 

It  must  then  be  appreciated  that  the  digestive  organs  have  suffered 
rather  rough  usage,  and  for  a  few  days  the  diet  should  be  easily  digestible, 
consisting  largely  of  milk  and  broths. 

After  considering  the  maimer  in  which  tamia  are  propagated  in  dogs, 
the  means  of  prevention  suggest  themselves. 


CH&<PTE<R   XIV. 
{DISEASES 

OF 

THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 


HY<DROPHO<Bm. 

The  antiquity  of  hydrophobia  is  not  precisely  known.  Aristotle  is  the 
first  author  to  mention  this  malady,  but  his  account  of  it  is,  remarkably 
incorrect,  if  the  text  be  not  corrupted.  He  says,  "  all  animals  that  are  bit- 
ten by  a  rabid  dog  are  affected  with  the  disease  except  man ;  and  that  the 
disease  proves  fatal  to  all  animals  but  man." 

Among  the  ancient  authors  Caelius  Aurelianus  treated  all  the  important 
questions  relating  to  hydrophobia  in  a  most  masterly  manner.  After  him 
centuries  passed  during  which,  with  but  few  exceptions,  independent 
observations  ceased,  and  little  or  nothing  was  added  to  the  previous 
knowledge  on  the  subject. 

Investigations  were  renewed  towards  the  end  of  the  last  century  by 
Hunter  and  other  intelligent  observers,  and  recently  a  more  exact  knowl- 
edge of  the  disease  has  been  acquired  through  the  studies  and  experiments 
of  Hertwig,  Meynell,  Youatt,  Magendie,  Blaine,  Virchow,  Reder  and 
others. 

Hydrophobia  or  more  properly  rabies,  which  prevails  chiefly  among 
animals  of  the  canine  species,  ( dog,  wolf,  fox,  jackal  )  is  at  the  present 
time  accepted  as  being  an  acute  infectious  disease,  coming  on  in  the  form 
of  a  functional  disturbance  of  the  central  nervous  system,  without  struct- 
ural changes  which  can  be  considered  essential  to  the  affection. 

Examinations  after  death  have  revealed  in  most  cases  diseased  appear- 
ances, but  not  one  has  been  found  to  be  present  invariably,  and  no  local 
changes  have  been  discovered  which  could  explain  all  the  symptoms. 

Causation.— The,  theory  of  a  spontaneous  development  of  rabies  so 
frequently  advanced,  has  been  rejected  as  entirely  unfounded  by  very 


152  BABIES. 

many  of  the  most  intelligent  observers,  recent  as  well  as  old. 

It  is  unnecessary  to  enumerate  and  describe  all  tbe  influences  which 
have  been  cited  as  predisposing  and  accidental  causes;  in  wearisome 
arguments  our  best  authorities  have  proved  the  theories  untenable  and 
unfounded,  and  that  all  the  causative  conditions  such  as  seasons  of  the 
year,  extremes  of  temperature,  restraint,  starvation,  suppressed  sexual 
appetite,  age,  sex,  and  race  are  to  be  regarded  neither  as  direct  nor  pre- 
disposing causes. 

It  is  now  universally  accepted  that  the  poison  is  communicated  almost 
invariably  by  means  of  the  bite  of  a  rabid  or  infected  animal. 

Nothing  is  known  of  the  specific  infecting  principle  of  rabies.  The  virus 
is  contained  in  the  saliva  and  foam  of  the  diseased  animal,  also  in  the 
spinal  cord,  blood,  and  salivary  glands;  its  existence  in  other  portions  of 
the  body  is  conjectured  but  not  positively  determined.  Neither  by  chem- 
ical or  microscopic  analysis  of  the  saliva  of  rabid  dogs  hasthis  virus  been 
detected. 

It  increases  by  internal  growth,  and  from  other  poisons  it  is  distinguished 
principally  by  this  circumstance,  that  it  remains  within  the  vital  organism 
for  weeks  and  even  months  without  producing  any  diseased  symptoms 
whatever. 

In  what  manner,  or  by  what  course  the  specific  poison  penetrates  the 
body  from  the  wound  is  unknown,  neither  has  its  action  while  within  the 
system  been  adequately  explained. 

Two  theories  have  been  advanced;  either  the  virus  remains  awhile  con- 
cealed and  inactive  at  the  seat  of  the  wound  or  point  of  inoculation,  and 
only  after  a  certain  interval  — at  the  expiration  of  the  period  of  incuba- 
tion —  enters  and  circulates  with  the  blood  and  other  fluids  of  the  body ; 
or  else  the  poison,  by  undergoing  incessant  reproduction,  is  constantly 
supplied  in  fresh  quantities  to  the  blood. 

Virchow  has  compared  the  action  of  the  poison  to  that  of  a  ferment, 
fresh  particles  of  which  are  constantly  being  conveyed  into  the  bJood 
from  the  seat  of  the  inoculation,  producing  through  the  medium  of  the 
circulation  the  specific  effect  upon  the  nervous  system. 

Experiments  have  proved  that  the  bite  of  an  infected— though  appar- 
ently healthy  — dog,  when  inflicted  during  the  period  of  incubation,  or 
slow  development  of  the  disease,  has  even  then  the  power  of  communica- 
ting it.  Thamhayn  collated  nineteen  cases,  occurring  in  the  human 
subject,  in  which  dogs,  to  all  appearances  healthy,  but  which  subsequently 
became  rabid,  produced  by  their  bite  hydrophobia,  the  result  being  fatal 
in  eighteen  cases. 

The  virus  is  probably  capable  of  infection  for  some  time  after  death  but 
hardly  longer  than  twenty -four  hours.    That  the  same  is  inactive  when 


DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  153 

brought  in  contact  with  the  unbroken  mucous  membrane  of  the  digestive 
canal,  is  confirmed  by  the  experiments  of  Hertwig;  at  one  time  he  intro- 
duced the  saliva  and  mucus  of  a  rabid  dog  into  the  mouths  and  throats  of 
healtby  animals;  again  he  fed  dogs  on  food  with  which  not  only  the  in- 
fected saliva  and  mucus  had  been  mixed,  but  to  which  also  warm  blood 
taken  from  rabid  animals  had  been  added,  all  with  negative  results.  He 
placed  healthy  dogs  in  stalls  where  others  affected  with  rabies  had  just 
previously  been  kept,  so  that  they  were  brought  in  frequent  contact  with 
the  same  straw,  chains,  food,  and  drinking  basins  that  had  been  used  by 
the  diseased  animals,  but  in  no  instance  was  rabies  produced;  and  the 
same  may  be  said  of  placing  healthy  animals  in  the  stall  with  dogs  which 
had  recently  died  of  the  disease. 

It  is  an  acknowledged  fact,  demonstrated  by  numerous  experiments  that 
the  milk  and  flesh  of  rabid  animals  ( dogs,  sheep,  cattle )  may,  as  a  rule  be 
consumed  by  man  and  animals  without  any  ill  effect. 

The  theory  that  the  poison  is  very  rarely  communicated  in  any  other 
way  than  by  the  bite  of  a  rabid  animal,  is  fully  confirmed  by  the  most 
wearisome  experiments.  No  instance  is  as  yet  known  where  the  virus  has 
been  transferred  by  intermediate  vehicles.  An  ingenious  theory  has  been 
suggested,  thatif  minute  particles  of  the  poison  suffice  to  propagate  infec- 
tion, possibly  certain  parasites,  fleas,  lice,  which  are  nourished  by  the 
blood  of  the  dog,  and  which  the  more  often  infest  them,  may  transfer  the 
poison  by  means  of  their  blood-drawing  apparatus,  and  thus  produce 
inoculation.  It  is  inferred  that  an  analogy  exists  with  other  infectious 
diseases,  as  for  instance  small-pox  which  has  been  unquestionably  trans- 
ported by  flies,  and  the  same  is  true  in  cases  of  malignant  pustule.  In  the 
latter  contagious  and  very  fatal  malady,  it  is  believed  that  flies  which 
have  alighted  on  the  ulcers  of  diseased  animals  convey  the  virus,  and  in- 
fect other  animals  and  human  beings. 

Little  or  nothing  is  known  as  to  a  predisposition  of  rabies,  it  being  esti- 
mated that  less  than  two-thirds  of  the  animals  inoculated  or  bitten  are 
infected  by  the  disease.  According  to  the  experiments  of  some,  a  rich 
feeding  of  the  dogs  that  had  been  inoculated,  favored  the  outbreak  of  the 
disease,  while  on  the  other  hand  it  was  retarded  by  poor  nourishment. 
Many  dogs  have  resisted  an  infection ;  in  three  years  Hertwig  made  nine 
attempts  to  inoculate  his  famous  poodle.  Some  have  been  known  to  have 
been  bitten  four  times  by  rabid  animals  and  still  remain  unaffected,  as  in 
the  case  of  a  dog  in  the  veterinary  school  at  Lyons. 

Symptoms.—  The  wound  from  the  bite  of  a  rabid  animal  heals  very 
readily,  being  but  rarely  accompanied  by  inflammation. 

The  period  of  incubation,  or  development  of  the  disease,  is  variously 
estimated  by  different  authors ;  in  the  majority  of  cases  it  lasts  from  three 


164  RABIES. 

to  five  weeks.  The  two  extremes  in  a  dog  which  have  been  reported  are 
the  shortest  one  week,  the  longest  eight  months. 

Rabies  assumes  two  forms ;  the  violent,  and  the  dumb  or  sullen.  Hertwig 
has  said  that  two  cases  rarely  correspond.  From  this  it  can  be  appreciated 
that  an  accurate  description  of  a  disease  presenting  so  many  varieties 
and  depending  on  so  many  influences,  such  as  age,  temperament,  condi- 
tion, etc.,  is  no  easy  task. 

The  violent  or  furious  has  been  divided  by  some  authors  into  three 
stages;  the  melancholic,  irritative,  and  paralytic. 

At  the  outset  of  the  disease  the  animal  manifests  a  changed  manner, 
becoming  irritable,  sullen,  and  nervous;  his  disposition  towards  those 
around  him  is  capricious ;  to  his  master  he  is  often  even  more  friendly 
and  confiding,  but  from  others,  of  whom  he  seems  suspicious,  he  shrinks, 
and  is  easily  enraged  by  their  interference.  He  is  disposed  to  shun  com- 
panionship, slinking  away  in  dark  and  obscure  places,  and  when  called, 
comes  reluctantly,  his  manner  crouching  and  frightened.  In  this  stage 
the  eyes  are  slightly  reddened  and  wear  a  changed  expression  as  has  been 
described,  a  vacant,  far-away,  listless  look;  often  they  change  and  in  con- 
sequence of  the  wrinkles  in  the  forehead,  the  gaze  becomes  sullen  and 
ferocious.  It  is  difficult  to  fix  his  attention  for  more  than  a  moment,  when 
his  eyes  will  close  in  a  sleepy  manner,  and  remain  shut  for  several 
seconds. 

According  to  the  most  experienced  observers,  a  perverted  appetite  is 
one  of  the  most  constant  morbid  symptoms.  Food  is  the  more  often  re- 
jected or  eaten  sparingly,  and  at  times  it  is  taken  into  the  mouth  and 
dropped  again.  On  the  other  hand,  all  sorts  of  indigestible  substances- 
sticks,  straw,  rags,  earth,  hair,  dung  and  the  like  are  swallowed. 

The  desire  to  chew  something  is  irresistible,  due  possibly  to  a  peculiar 
feeling  in  the  jaws  excited  by  an  irritation  of  the  nerves.  If  allowed  in 
the  house  he  will  bite  and  worry  chair-legs,  carpets,  boots,  etc.,  in  fact 
anything  he  can  fix  his  jaws  upon.  A  tendency  to  lap  cold  objects  such  as 
stones,  iron,  and  his  own  urine  is  observed.  In  some  cases  the  sexual 
desire  seems  stimulated,  as  indicated  by  the  disposition  to  lick  the  geni- 
tals of  other  dogs.  A  mucous  discharge  appears  at  the  nose,  and  the 
secretions  in  the  mouth  and  throat  become  .thick  and  ropy,  which  the 
animal  will  occasionally  make  efforts  to  expel,  and  possibly  attempt  to 
vomit.  This  trouble  about  the  throat  has  led  to  a  mistaken  diagnosis  of  a 
bone  being  lodged  there. 

The  duration  of  this  stage  denominated  the  melancholic,  may  be  but  a 
few  hours,  and  rarely  over  two  or  three  days.  It  must  be  remembered 
that  not  all  the  symptoms  are  uniformly  present;  in  some  cases  they  are 
few  and  insignificant,  possibly  overlooked,  or  if  detected  sufficient  imp  or- 


DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  loo 

tance  is  not  attached  to  them ;  a  fact  which  renders  this  period  in  the  dis- 
ease the  most  dangerous  to  man. 

The  so-called  irritative  or  maniacal  stage  has  more  denned  and  charac- 
teristic symptoms  which  appear  spasmodically,  with  intervals  between 
the  attacks,  during  which  the  animal  is  far  less  violent.  Among  the  most 
important  symptoms  are  a  changed  behavior,  an  irresistible  disposition 
to  bite,  a  peculiar  bark,  and  repeated  violent  efforts  to  break  away  and 
stray  about.  Of  this  latter  symptom,  Hertwig  has  observed  that  the  de- 
sertion of  his  home  by  a  previously  faithful  dog  indicates  the  existence  of 
a  high  degree  of  mental  disturbance.  The  propensity  to  stray  off,  espec- 
ially after  having  been  excited  or  corrected  is  then  often  ascribed  to  fear, 
obstinacy,  disobedience,  or  unsatisfied  sexual  desire,  and  the  animal  is 
all  the  more  dangerous  in  this  state  if  he  quietly  and  peaceably  returns 
home. 

TThen  at  large  no  definite  object  possesses  the  animal,  and  he  will  often 
travel  fast  and  far  within  a  short  time,  expressive  of  this  the  term  "run- 
ning rabies  "  was  formerly  used.  Sometimes  he  will  return  home  slyly 
and  suspiciously,  but  friendly  with  his  master. 

As  the  disease  passes  into  the  violent  stage  the  unfortunate  animal 
grows  more  restless,  and  on  the  alert,  at  times  becomes  delirious,  pos- 
sessed as  it  were  by  spectral  illusions ;  springs  at  the  door  as  though  he 
heard  some  one  approaching;  again  he  will  examine  every  part  of  his  ken- 
nel or  room  in  which  confined  in  a  most  minute  manner,  then  retire  to  an 
obscure  corner  to  remain  but  for  a  few  moments  and  again  commence  his 
wearisome  search.  At  times  his  eyes  are  fixed  on  some  imaginary  insect, 
which  with  his  gaze  he  seems  to  follow  in  its  course  along  the  walls;  at 
last  he  springs  forward  snapping  at  the  intruder  his  mind  pictures,  when 
the  spell  seems  broken  and  he  returns  to  his  corner  as  though  ashamed 
of  his  delusion. 

As  the  disease  progresses,  dogs  that  are  fastened  will  struggle  to  break 
their  chains ;  those  that  are  confined  within  a  room  will  bite  into  the  wood 
work,  or  roll  about  in  the  straw  which  they  shake  in  their  teeth.  The  vio- 
lent paroxysms  become  longer  and  more  severe,  sometimes  lasting  for 
several  hours,  during  which  the  dog  snaps  and  bites  at  whatever  he  en- 
counters; they  seem  prompted  to  attack  other  animals  large  and  small, 
and  less  often  man.  Xot  infrequently  a  rabid  animal  will  bite  and  lacerate 
his  own  body,  even  to  gnawing  his  feet  to  the  bone ;  cases  are  on  record 
of  terrible  self  mutilation ;  some  are  insensible  to  external  impressions, 
and  will  bear  blows  without  a  cry,  and  bite  at  red  hot  irons. 

If  a  stick  is  extended  to  a  chained  dog  he  will  snap  at  it,  and  cling  with 
such  force  that  his  teeth  will  break  and  his  lips  bleed. 

Paroxysms  are  excited  by  teasing,  the  sight  of  other  animals,  or  may 


J  56  RABIES. 

occur  without  provocation.  While  they  last  the  clog  is  possessed  with  un- 
usual strength,  often  breaking  his  chain  and  freeing  himself.  Bitches  with 
whelps  have  been  known  to  bite  and  tear  their  pups  with  their  teeth. 

During  these  paroxysms  those  infected  seem  perfectly  delirious,  and 
frequently  there  is  observed  convulsive  twitchings  of  the  face,  and  occa- 
sionally convulsions.  Following  the  attacks  the  animal  relapses  into  a 
sort  of  stupor,  and  if  undisturbed  a  much  longer  interval  will  more  often 
elapse  before  a  recurrence  of  another  period  of  excitement.  In  some 
cases  the  mental  state  is  for  a  time  so  improved,  masters  are  recognized. 

A  sign  which  is  considered  highly  characteristic  of  rabies,  and  one  which 
frequently  makes  its  appearance  early  in  the  disease,  is  the  peculiar  alter- 
ation in  the  tone  of  the  voice;  the  bark  is  described  as  a  sound  between  a 
bark  and  a  howl,  uttered  in  a  rough  hoarse  tone,  which  might  be  called 
croupy.  The  short  sharp  sound  is  often  prolonged  into  a  mournful  dis- 
tressing wail,  the  animal  lifting  his  head  in  the  air  as  it  issues. 

The  change  in  the  voice  is  attributed  by  some  to  a  swollen  condition  of 
the  pharynx  and  larynx;  this  is  possibly  true  and  yet  certain  functional 
disturbances  in  the  great  nerve  centres  may  be  even  more  active,  as  in 
cases  of  children  suffering  from  diseases  of  the  brain,  the  cry  becomes 
harsh,  shrill,  and  ear -piercing. 

In  the  maniacal  stage  of  rabies  the  appetite  for  food  nearly  if  not  en- 
tirely disappears;  occasionally  a  favorite  bit  if  offered  will  be  eaten  but 
rarely  is  this  the  case.  Instead  of  food  a  rabid  animal  will  invariably 
swallow  large  quantities  of  indigestible  substances,  such  as  straw,  clay, 
and  dung. 

Among  the  many  ancient  and  unfounded  traditions  concerning  the 
course  of  rabies,  may  be  recalled  the  notions  that  dogs  so  infected  froth 
and  foam  at  the  mouth;  that  they  always  run  in  a  straight  line,  and  carry 
their  tails  held  closely  between  the  hind  legs,  also  that  a  peculiar  odor 
attends  a  rabid  dog  which  can  be  detected  by  one  in  health.  All  this  is 
fanciful  and  unfounded ;  authorities  state  that  the  saliva  is  discharged 
only  when  the  animal  is  unable  to  swallow ;  the  tail  is  wagged  and  carried 
as  usual  until  weakness  causes  it  to  drop;  in  running  the  course  is  much 
the  same  pursued  by  one  uninfected  The  gait  of  a  rabid  dog  is  somewhat 
characteristic,  described  as  a  jog-trot.  He  carries  his  head  low  with  tongue 
protruding,  often  torn  and  bleeding,  swollen,  and  covered  with  dirt. 
Rarely  will  he  turn  from  the  course  he  is  pursuing  to  attack  anything  unless 
it  be  animals  of  kindred  species,  the  sight  of  which  almost  invariably 
excites  his  rage  and  invites  an  encounter. 

At  no  time  during  an  attack  of  rabies  is  there  a  special  dread  of  water 
as  was  formerly  popularly  supposed.  One  observer  is  credited  with  hav- 
ing detected  in  extremely  rare  instances,  dogs  unable  to  swallow  owing  to 


DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  157 

spasms  of  the  throat.  Almost  invariably  they  drink  freely  and  deeply, 
showing  no  nervous  excitement  at  the  sight  of  fluids.  It  is  not  an  uncom- 
mon sight  to  see  them  lick  their  own  urine,  a  fact  upon  which  much  stress 
as  a  diagnostic  sign  is  put  by  some  authors. 

As  the  disease  progresses,  emaciation  rapidly  supervenes,  the  entire 
appearance  of  the  animal  becomes  changed  to  a  marked  degree;  the  head 
frequently  swells,  the  eyes  which  sink  within  their  cavities,  are  brilliant 
and  glistening ;  the  hair  becomes  rough  and  staring.  The  mucous  mem- 
brane, more  often  dry  and  parched  than  moistened,  changes  to  a  purplish 
color.  The  breathing  during  a  violent  paroxysm  and  immediately  after 
is  hurried;  at  other  times  is  but  slightly  affected. 

The  duration  of  the  violent  or  irritative  stage  is  generally  not  longer  than 
three,  or  very  rarely  four  days.  As  the  rabid  animal  becomes  weakened 
and  the  paroxysms  grow  less  severe  and  distinct,  the  disease  emerges  into 
the  so-called  paralytic  stage.  The  change  in  appearance  now  becomes 
more  striking,  surprisingly  so  considering  the  few  days  that  have  passed 
since  the  appearance  of  the  first  symptoms.  The  eyes  are  dim  and  glisten- 
ing, the  purplish  tongue  protrudes,  emaciation  has  reduced  the  unfortunate 
to  a  mere  skeleton;  he  presents  a  picture  both  appalling  and  heart-rend- 
ing. He  staggers  and  stumbles  blindly  about  his  kennel,  until  increasing 
exhaustion  at  last  overpowers  him;  he  will  still  bite  or  snap  at  things 
which  may  be  used  to  arouse  him,  but  his  strength  departing  his  efforts 
grow  more  feeble,  his  breathing  is  short  and  labored,  his  voice  hoarser; 
he  passes  into  a  stupor,  possibly  into  a  partial  or  complete  convulsion, 
and  at  last  death  mercifully  closes  the  scene. 

The  progress  of  this  terrible  malady  is  very  rapid.  The  different  stages 
may  be  passed  and  death  ensue  on  the  second,  or  life  may  be  prolonged  to 
the  tenth  day;  the  latter  set  as  the  limit  is  but  rarely  reached,  and  from 
four  to  five  days  is  the  more  common  duration. 

The  dumb  or  sullen  form  of  rabies  which  constitutes  from  fifteen  to 
twenty  per  cent  of  the  total  number  of  cases,  is  but  a  peculiar  type  of  the 
disease,  which  runs  a  much  shorter  course,  and  without  the  violent  or  irri- 
tative stage.  There  is  decidedly  less  excitation  of  the  brain,  the  violent 
paroxysms,  the  illusions,  the  constant  motion,  the  disposition  to  bite,  and 
the  propensity  to  stray  away,  are  all  absent  or  present  only  in  a^light  de- 
gree, and  the  animal  is  quiet,  silent,  and  dejected. 

Paralysis  of  the  muscles  of  the  lower  jaw  is  a  characteristic  symptom  of 
this  form  of  the  malady,  and  manifests  itself  early  in  the  attack.  The  jaw 
drops  and  the  mouth  remains  constantly  open.  In  rare  cases  a  partial 
control  of  the  muscles  is  retained,  sufficient  to  lift  the  jaw  and  possibly 
allow  the  animal  to  bite  if  sufficiently  irritated.  Rarely  more  than  a  few 
hours,  possibly  three   or  four  elapse  after  the  disease  manifests  itself 


158  BABIES. 

before  this  symptom  appears.  There  is  great  difficulty  in  swallowing,  and 
the  poor  dog  will  plunge  his  muzzle  into  the  water  up  to  the  very  eyes  in 
order  that  he  may  get  one  drop  into  the  bach  part  of  his  mouth  to  cool 
his  parched  throat.  It  is  in  this  form  of  rabies  that  frothing  is  observed, 
the  flow  of  mucus  and  saliva  in  abundance  dripping  from  the  open  mouth. 
The  voice  changed  and  of  a  hoarse  tone,  is  seldom  heard,  and  that  pecu- 
liar combination  of  bark  and  howl,  characteristic  of  the  violent  form  of 
the  disease,  is  entirely  absent. 

Death  in  the  dumb  form  of  rabies  results  more  quickly,  life  being  but 
rarely  prolonged  more  than  two  or  three  days.  The  appearance  of  the 
eyes,  and  generally  haggard  and  depressed  look  marking  the  derange- 
ment of  the  brain,  the  loss  of  appetite,  the  rapid  emaciation  and  paralysis, 
arc  symptoms  resembling  much  those  seen  in  the  violent  attack. 

Both  forms  of  the  disease  have  appeared  in  the  same  kennels,  and  at 
the  same  time ;  inoculation  from  dogs  suffering  from  the  one  variety  may 
give  rise  to  either  violent  or  dumb  madness. 

Diagnosis.  —In  some  cases  of  rabies  a  diagnosis  will  be  difficult,  while 
in  others  the  signs  will  be  sufficiently  pronounced  to  render  the  task 
easier.  It  is  to  be  remembered  that  but  few  animals  can  compare  with 
the  dog  in  intelligence  and  high  mental  development,  that  he  possesses  a 
sensitive  and  easily  excited  nature  and  is  extremely  liable  to  contract 
nervous  derangements  and  diseases.  This  fact  is  demonstrated  by  the 
frequent  occurrence  of  convulsions,  chorea,  and  kindred  disorders.  Again 
it  is  more  than  probable  that  the  study  of  canine  ailments  will  yet  prove 
to  observers  the  existence  in  dogs  of  mental  diseases,  at  present  over- 
looked and  unsuspected. 

When  an  animal  presents  certain  symptoms  which  are  known  to  appear 
in  rabies,  all,  the  medical  men  by  no  means  excepted,  are  much  too  ready 
to  jump  at  conclusions,  and  condemn  to  execution  a  poor  animal  as  rabid, 
when  he  may  be  suffering  from  either  meningitis,  epilepsy,  severe  pain, 
excessive  fear,  neuralgia,  staiwation,  toothache,  parasites  in  the  nasal 
cavity,  acute  otitis,  disease  of  the  kidneys,  or  some  disturbance  of  the 
brain  of  which  at  present  we  have  no  knowledge.  Nor  must  we  forget  the 
action  of  certain  irritant  poisons  which  when  swallowed  cause  intense 
inflammation  of  the  throat,  stomach,  and  intestines. 

Few  there  are  who  have  not  seen  dogs  in  a  state  of  delirium  caused  by 
the  action  of  the  intense  heat  of  the  sun.  Others  doubtless  have  witnessed 
the  extreme  mental  disturbance  of  a  bitch  deprived  of  her  whelps,  and 
the  distress  and  efforts  of  an  animal  to  free  himself  from  restraint  in  a 
new  home,  and  return  to  his  old  master  and  those  he  loves. 

Some  readers  will  naturally  observe  that  to  mistake  for  rabies  many  of 
the  diseases  referred  to  must  be  impossible,  and  yet  such  errors  are  more 


DISEA  SES  OF  THE  NEB  VO  US  S  YS  TEM.  169 

easily  made  than  they  imagine,  for  not  only  in  these  but  in  other  diseases 
unmentioned,  there  occur  symptoms  resembling  somewhat  those  of  the 
dread  malady.  Again  it  must  be  remembered  that  fear  prejudices  reason, 
dulls  perception,  and  blunts  judgment ;  even  the  thoughts  of  hydrophobia 
incite  a  measure  of  terror,  and  important  symptoms  are  overlooked,  while 
many  in  nowise  significant  become  pronounced. 

As  one  authority  has  said,  "  in  forming  the  diagnosis,  we  should  have 
constantly  before  us  a  picture  of  the  disease  as  a  whole,  and  never  base 
an  opinion  upon  individual  symptoms,  such  as  the  propensity  to  bite, 
which  may  be  slight,  or  even  entirely  absent." 

Passing  in  review,  the  characteristic  symptoms  of  the  violent  form  of 
rabies  are :  the  marked  uneasiness,  the  delirium  and  very  great  excite- 
ment occurring  in  paroxysmal  attacks,  the  tendency  to  bite,  the  efforts  to 
break  away,  the  peculiarly  changed  voice,  the  perverted  appetite,  the 
rapid  emaciation,  exhaustion,  and  invariably  fatal  termination. 

In  the  sullen  or  dumb  form  the  violent  stage  is  omitted  or  hardly  recog- 
nizable; it  runs  an  extremely  rapid  course,  the  animals  are  quiet  and 
depressed,  have  but  little  disposition  to  bite  or  run  away;  early  in  the 
disease  are  paralyzed  in  the  lower  jaw,  have  perverted  appetite,  changed 
voice,  rarely  heard,  progressive  emaciation  and  exhaustion,  and  seldom 
live  beyond  the  third  day. 

preventive  Treatment.  —  Immediately  after  the  bite  of  an  animal  pre- 
sumably rabid,  the  whole  wound  should  be  sucked,  and  as  soon  as  possible 
thoroughly  cauterized.  If  there  ax-e  no  abrasions  on  the  lips  or  tongue, 
there  can  be  no  danger  whatever  from  the  virus  on  the  part  of  the  one  who 
applies  suction.  During  the  time  the  lips  are  employed,  the  mouth  should 
be  frequently  rinsed  with  warm  water,  and  the  teeth  used  freely  in  gnaw- 
ing as  it  were  the  edges,  to  keep  the  wounded  vessels  open  and  bleeding. 
To  promote  a  flow  of  blood  which  is  decidedly  favorable,  a  cord  or  hand- 
kerchief can  be  tied  fairly  tight  between  the  wounded  part  and  the  body. 
Suction  should  be  persisted  in  until  the  bite  can  be  cauterized,  and  dis- 
continued as  soon  as  that  operation  is  possible.  If  the  individual  bitten 
lives  at  a  distance  from  chemists,  and  delay  must  ensue  before  medicinal 
caustics  are  obtained,  a  hot  iron  should  be  depended  upon,  and  the  wound 
thoroughly  burned. 

The  chemical  and  corrosive  agents  penetrate  every  part  of  the  injury 
with  greater  certainty,  and  when  possible  they  should  be  secured.  The 
most  active  are  nitric,  sulphuric,  and  carbolic  acids,  caustic  potassa,  and 
nitrate  of  silver.  The  latter  was  strongly  urged  by  Mr.  Youatt  who  cer- 
tainly proved  its  efficacy  since  he  was  bitten  many  times  and  escaped, 
though  he  used  no  other  preventive;  he  also  observed  instances  in  which 
out  of  several  animals  bitten  by  the  same  dog,  those  which  were  cauter- 


led  RABIES. 

ized  by  the  nitrate  of  silver  escaped,  while  some  which  had  the  wound 
incised,  or  cauterized  with  a  hot  iron  were  subsequently  infected  with 
rabies. 

Regarding  the  sucking  of  a  wound  made  by  a  suspected  animal,  it  is  of 
interest  to  recall  the  fact  that  in  Lyons,  during  the  first  twenty  years  of 
the  present  century,  certain  women  made  it  their  business  to  apply  suc- 
tion to  the  wounds  made  by  rabid  dogs,  for  which  they  were  paid  ten 
francs  for  the  first  operation,  and  five  for  each  succeeding  one.  Of  thirty- 
eight  persons  bitten  and  subsequently  subjected  to  this  operation  not  one 
contracted  hydrophobia. 

It  is  yet  an  unsettled  question  whether  or  not  it  is  wise  to  allow  the 
wound  made  by  a  bite  to  heal  naturally  and  at  once,  or  to  keep  up  the 
inflammation  by  applications.  The  latter  is  generally  accepted  as  the 
better,  and  for  the  purpose  caustic  can  be  used  every  few  days  as  the  need 
is  manifest,  or  a  dressing  of  the  resin  ointment  may  be  applied.  In  four 
or  five  weeks  the  wound  should  be  allowed  to  heal. 

It  is  estimated  that  in  those  cases  where  cauterization  is  resorted  to 
about  one  third  of  the  human  beings  bitten  by  rabid  animals  fall  victims 
to  the  disease ;  in  cases  where  the  operation  is  not  performed  more  than 
four-fifths  of  those  bitten  meet  certain  death. 

In  the  many  pages  devoted  to  rabies  the  writer  has  pictured  with  wear- 
isome detail  the  symptoms  and  phenomena  which  attend  both  forms  of 
the  disease.  During  the  last  century  the  public  mind  has  been  much 
wrought  and  depressed  by  constant  allusion  to  the  malady.  Communities 
have  often  been  terrorized  by  the  appearance  in  their  midst  of  dogs  sup- 
posed to  be  rabid,  and  many  a  valuable  pet  has  met  his  death  from  the 
hands  of  the  poisoner,  incited  to  the  hellish  deed  through  the  cowardly 
fear  of  a  disease  so  rare  the  dangers  from  it  are  almost  nil. 

Scientific  research  and  advancement  in  knowledge  of  this  subject  has 
been  so  obstructed  by  ignorance  and  superstition,  transmitted  from  the 
dark  ages,  the  general  public  are  to  day  as  destitute  of  a  proper  under- 
standing of  hydrophobia,  and  are  endowed  with  as  wild  fancies,  absurd 
theories,  and  fanatical  notions  as  were  those  of  a  hundred  years  ago. 

From  the  British  Medical  Journal  we  quote  the  following  on  this  subj  ect.— 
"  Something  should  be  done  to  disabuse  the  public  mind  of  a  groundless, 
or  greatly  exaggerated  terror,  it  would  be  amusing  if  it  were  not  grimly 
sad,  to  observe,  not  unfrequently,  the  insane  evidence  of  a  purely  mimetic 
morbid  state  set  up  by  the  misery  and  apprehension  caused  by  the  con- 
sciousness of  having  been  bitten  by  a  mad  dog.  As  a  matter  of  sober 
medical  fact,  it  is  by  no  means  necessary  or  inevitable  that  the  bite  of  a 
dog  with  rabies  should  give  a  man  or  woman  hydrophobia;  and  if  the 
element  of  fear  could  be  eliminated,  it  is  highly  probable  that  the  propor- 


DISEA  SES  OF  THE  NER  VO  US  S  TS  TEM.  1 61 

tion  of  instances  in  which  the  dreaded  disease  supervened  from  a  bite 
would  be  greatly  reduced." 

Many  pages  have  already  been  devoted  to  this  subject  and  much  of  equal 
and  even  of  still  greater  interest  is  to  follow.  The  task  has  proved  hercu- 
lean, but  the  writer  has  felt  his  duty  imperatively  demanded  that  an 
exhaustive  description  of  the  symptoms  and  phenomena  of  rabies  be  pic- 
tured by  him  to  the  reader.  Although  he  has  never  been  able  to  appreciate 
why  people  are  possessed  by  that  insane  terror  of  a  disease,  so  rare  that 
death  by  the  hand  of  the  executioner  might  with  equal  good  sense  be  an- 
ticipated, he  has  felt  that  superstition,  and  an  ignorance  of  the  subject 
were  conditions  favorable  to  the  propagation  of  the  common  terror,  and 
only  by  enlightenment  born  of  a  perfect  understanding  of  the  disease  and 
its  actual  not  imaginary  dangers,  can  the  public  mind  be  disabused,  and 
the  groundless  terror  dispelled. 

In  pursuance  of  the  author's  intention  to  familiarize  the  reader  with  all 
the  more  important  facts  developed  by  scientific  research,  he  submits  the 
following  paraphrase  of  the  address  of  M.  Pasteur  at  the  International 
meeting  at  Copenhagen,  August,  1884.  — 

"  Congresses  seem  to  point  out  the  chief  directions  of  progress,  whilst 
they  are  also  meetings  for  examination  of  the  most  important  problems 
in  medicine. 

When  three  years  ago,  this  Congress  met  in  London  the  microbe  theory 
was  still  in  attack  but  now  it  is  admitted,  and  our  opponents  should  ac- 
knowledge it.  That  spontaneous  generation  was  a  chemical  hypothesis  has 
also  been  proved;  on  the  other  hand  microscopic  life  lias  a  relation  to 
organic  decomposition  and  fermentation,  hence  theories  as  to  spontaneous 
origin  of  disease  must  cease  to  exist. 

From  the  London  Congress  another  advance  must  also  be  dated  viz., 
the  possibility  of  attenuating  viruses,  varying  their  infectious  nature  and 
preserving  them.  The  application  to  veterinary  medicine  followed,  and 
animals  are  protected  against  such  diseases  as  fowl  cholera  and  splenic 
fever.  The  methods  applied  to  animals  might  be  adopted  in  regard  to  man 
only  we  should  have  to  proceed  with  caution.  The  inquiries  hitherto  con- 
ducted are  things  of  yesterday ;  they  have  been  fruitful  in  results  and  we 
have  a  right  to  expect  further  advances.  I  was  induced  to  study  rabies,  a 
disease  surrounded  with  obscurity,  in  order  to  penetrate  further  into  the 
arcana  of  knowledge.  For  four  years  in  my  laboratoiy,  we  have  been  con- 
ducting experiments  under  difficulties,  though  the  French  government 
has  in  its  zeal  for  scientific  interests  endeavored  to  smooth  the  way.  I 
shall  to  day  give  the  results  of  our  experiences. 

Every  disease  and  especially  rabies  makes  us  think  of  a  cure  but  in 
searching  for  a  remedy  we  often  indulge  in  fruitless  labor.    By  studying 


162  RABIES. 

the  nature  of  the  disease  and  development,  we  shall  more  certainly  lead 
to  the  remedy. 

It  is  proved  that  the  virus  of  rahies  always  develops  in  the  nervous  sys- 
tem, brain,  spinal  cord,  nerves,  etc.,  and  never  invades  at  once  all  these 
parts.  It  may  conceal  itself  in  the  spinal  cord  and  then  attack  the  brain 
or  vice  versa.  We  find  that  the  uppermost  part  of  the  spinal  cord,  which 
is  called  the  bulb,  is  invariably  the  seat  of  the  poison,  so  that  when  an 
animal  dies  of  rabies  we  are  able  to  obtain  from  this  bulb,  some  of  the 
virus  of  rabies  which  will  produce  the  disease,  if  inoculated  on  the  surface 
of  the  brain.  You  can  test  this  on  any  dog  of  any  kind  by  trephining. 
The  experiment  never  fails  and  has  been  performed  by  us  numerous  times 
on  hundreds  of  animals. 

The  invariable  existence  of  the  virus  in  the  bulb  of  dead  animals  from 
this  disease,  the  certainty  of  communicating  rabies  to  other  animals  by 
opening  the  brain  are  truths  now  established.  As  to  the  origin  of  hydro- 
phobia or  rabies,  all  forms  came  originally  from  the  bite  of  a  mad  dog. 
Rabies  never  rises  spontaneously  in  the  dog  or  other  animals;  all  cases  to 
the  contrary  are  non-authentic. 

There  must  have  been  a  first  case  of  rabies,  but  this  touches  problems 
unsolvable.  It  touches  the  problem  of  life.  Who  would  maintain  that  an 
ovum  always  came  from  an  ovum  and  that  the  first  ovum  spontaneously 
developed?  Science  does  not  argue  about  the  origin  of  things.  No  one  is 
benefited  and  such  questions  are  beyond  its  province. 

Nothing  is  more  variable  than  the  natural  period  of  incubation  in  this 
disease.  One  dog  goes  mad  in  four  or  six  weeks,  another  in  two  or  three 
months.  By  one  method  of  inter-cranial  inoculation,  the  period  of  incuba- 
tion is  shortened  and  known  approximately.  The  duration  of  incubation 
may  also  depend  upon  the  quantity  of  active  virus  reaching  the  nervous 
system  unchanged.    The  quantity  of  virus  may  be  infinitesimal. 

On  May  10th.,  1882,  ten  drops  of  a  fluid,  obtained  by  macerating,  in  a  ster- 
ilized broth,  a  portion  of  the  bulb  of  a  wandering  mad-dog,  were  intro- 
duced into  the  popliteal  vein  of  a  dog.  A  second  dog  was  inoculated  with 
one  one-hundredth,  and  another  dog  one  two-hundredth  of  the  quantity. 
The  first  dog  had  rabies  on  the  eighteenth  day,  the  second  on  the  thirty- 
fifth,  and  the  third  was  unaffected,  the  quantity  of  virus  not  being  sufficient. 
This  dog  was  again  tested  and  contracted  rabies  twenty-two  days  later. 
If  we  operate  by  trephining  we  obtain  a  method  certain  in  its  effect.  If  we 
take  mad  dogs  at  any  season,  and  in  each  case  isolate  the  bulb  and  inocu- 
late with  the  material  by  trephining  a  few  rabbits,  the  phenomena  will  be 
regular.  No  matter  what  dog  be  used  the  incubation  will  fall  within 
twelve  or  fifteen  days;  it  will  never  be  eleven,  ten,  or  eight  days  though  it 
may  be  over  fifteen  days.   Other  instances  of  the  peculiarities  of  the  virus 


DISEA  SES  OF  THE  NER  VO  US  S  YS  TEM.  1 63 

might  be  given,  all  proving  that  there  exists  and  can  be  produced  different 
kinds  of  rabies  all  more  or  less  violent  and  fatal. 

Guinea  pigs  soon  attain  a  maximum  of  virulence;  the  incubative  period 
is  shortened,  and  by  transmission  we  obtain  a  virus  which  surpasses  in 
virulence  that  of  rabies  ordinarily  met  with. 

Jenner  propounded  the  theory  that  poison  called  "  grease  "  in  the  horse, 
now  described  more  correctly  as  the  horse-pox  may  be  weakened  in  activ- 
ity by  transmission  through  cows.  This  idea  of  Jenner's  struck  us  as 
being  capable  of  imitation.  Could  we  attenuate  the  virus  bypassing  it 
through  the  bodies  of  certain  animals?  Many  attempts  were  made,  until 
in  the  case  of  monkeys,  a  medium  was  found. 

December  6, 1SS3,  the  bulb  of  a  dog  which  had  been  bitten  by  a  child  who 
died  of  hydrophobia,  was  taken  and  a  monkey  inoculated  by  trephining. 
In  eleven  days  the  monkey  became  rabid.  From  this  monkey,  the  virus 
was  transmitted  to  a  second.  In  eleven  days  the  second  showed  signs  of 
rabies.  A  third  monkey  became  rabid  in  twenty -three  days.  Other  mon- 
keys were  experimented  on.  With  the  bulb  of  each  of  these  monkeys  two 
rabbits  were  inoculated  by  the  method  of  trephining.  The  rabbits  infected 
by  the  first  monkey  became  rabid  on  the  thirteenth  and  sixteenth  days ; 
the  two  from  the  second  monkey  on  the  fourteenth  and  twentieth  days; 
the  two  from  the  third  monkey  on  the  twenty-sixth  and  thirtieth  days; 
two  from  a  fourth  monkey  on  the  twenty-eighth  day  in  each  case ;  two 
from  a  fifth  monkey  on  the  twenty-seventh  day  in  each  case;  two  from  a 
sixth  monkey  on  the  thirtieth  day  in  each  case. 

By  transmission  from  monkey  to  monkey,  and  from  monkey  to  rabbits, 
the  strength  of  the  poison  seemed  weakened.  A  dog  inoculated  with  the 
bulb  of  the  fifth  monkey  had  incubation  period  of  not  less  than  fifty-eight 
days;  other  experiments  confirmed  these  results.  We  thus  found  out  a 
method  of  attenuating  the  virus,  and  a  method  of  vaccinating  dogs  as 
prevention  against  rabies. 

As  a  starting  point  we  take  one  of  the  rabbits  inoculated  from  monkeys 
to  such  a  degree,  that  hypodermic  or  intravenous  injection  does  not  cause 
death.  The  preventive  inoculations  are  done  with  the  bulbs  of  rabbits 
which  have  been  successfully  infected  from  monkeys  to  rabbits.  Jenner's 
methods  met  with  opposition.  Remembering  this  I  determined  to  lay  my 
results  before  a  scientific  commission.  M.  Tallieres,  Minister  of  Instruction 
in  France,  supported  my  project.  M.  Beclard,  P.  Bert,  Bouley,  Tisseraud, 
Villemin,  and  Vulpian  were  appointed  to  examine  my  statements  and 
check  the  facts  I  had  communicated  to  the  Academy  of  Sciences  May  29, 
1SS4.  M.  Bouley  was  chosen  President,  and  Villemin,  Secretary.  The  com- 
mittee have  recently  presented  their  report  to  the  Minister.  I  am  now  able 
to  give  a  brief  account  of  the  first  report. 


164  RABIES. 

I  presented  to  the  committee  nineteen  vaccinated  dogs,  all  of  whom  had 
been  rendered  insusceptible  by  preventive  inoculation,  and  thirteen  of 
these  had  been  further  tested  after  vaccination  by  inoculation  by  trephin- 
ing. 

These  nineteen  dogs  were  compared  in  various  ways  with  nineteen  other 
dogs  chosen  for  the  purpose  of  experiments.  On  June  1st.  two  of  the  pro- 
tected dogs  and  two  trial  dogs  were  inoculated  by  trephining  under  the 
dura  mater  with  the  bulb  of  a  mad  dog.  On  June  3d.  one  protected  dog 
and  one  trial  dog  were  bitten  by  a  mad  dog.  On  June  4th.  the  same  mad 
dog  bit  another  protected  and  another  trial  dog.  June  Gth.  the  mad  dog 
used  June  3d.  and  4th.  died,  and  the  bulb  was  inoculated  by  trephining  on 
three  trial  and  three  protected  dogs. 

June  10th.  one  protected  and  one  trial  dog  were  bitten  by  another  mad 
dog  obtained  from  the  streets;  June  16th.  one  protected  and  one  trial  dog 
were  bitten  by  a  dog  which  had  gone  mad  June  14th.  as  a  result  of  the  ex- 
periments; June  19th.  three  protected  and  three  trial  dogs  inoculated  in 
popliteal  veins  with  bulb  of  mad  dog;  June  20th.  six  protected  and  four 
trial  dogs  inoculated  in  vein;  June  2Sth.  two  protected  and  two  trial  dogs 
bitten  by  mad  dog  at  the  hospital  of  M.  Paul  Simon,  a  veterinary  surgeon. 

Now  let  us  look  at  the  results.  — The  Com.  performed  experiments  on 
thirty-eight  dogs,  nineteen  protected  and  nineteen  not  protected.  They 
report  that  in  the  case  of  the  nineteen  trial  dogs,  rabies  occurred  as  fol- 
lows : —  of  six  bitten,  rabies  occurred  in  three;  of  seven  inoculated  in 
vein,  rabies  in  five;  of  five  trephined,  all  died.  Trephining  was  the  surest. 
On  the  other  hand,  not  a  single  symptom  of  rabies  appeared  in  any  of  the 
dogs  vaccinated  by  me  and  declared  insusceptible;  one  dog  died  from 
diarrhoea,  the  cause  of  death  being  verified  by  post-mortem  and  also  by 
tests.  Three  rabbits  and  one  guinea  pig  were  inoculated  with  the  bulb 
of  this  dog  and  are  in  the  best  of  health.  The  animals  are  still  under 
observation." 

The  following  is  a  literally  translated  extract  from  the  address  of  M. 
Bouley,  before  the  French  Association  for  Advancement  of  Sciences.— 

Living  nature  of  the  contagion  and  Inoculation  preventive  of 
tHE  Hydrophobia. 

"  Nothing  is  conjectural  now.  The  agent  of  the  contagion  is  a  living 
agent,  already  known  for  an  important  group  of  contagious  diseases.  This 
agent,  this  living  element,  we  have  been  able  to  master,  to  observe  it  in 
the  midst  of  artificials  proper  for  its  culture ;  we  have  been  able  to  study 
its  physiology,  modes  of  existence;  we  have  been  able  to  subject  it  to 
profound  modifying  influences;  to  create,  so  to  speak,  races  in  different 
species.  In  short  we  have  been  able  to  see  it  by  our  own  work  in  the 
living  organisms,  in  conditions  vigorously  determined  by  the  experimen- 


DISEA  SES  OF  THE  NER  VO  US  S  YS  TEM.  1 65 

ters,  and  to  study  the  series  of  effects  that  it  is  capable  of  producing. 

After  having  torn  away  from  nature  this  secret,  so  long  a  time  guarded, 
that  contagion  is  the  function  of  the  living  element,  that  a  certain  number 
of  contagious  diseases  is  possessed  of  this  element,  they  have  isolated  it 
from  organisms  where  they  had  taken  it,  they  have  studied  it  in  the  midst 
of  artificials  proper  for  its  development  and  to  all  the  manifestations  of 
its  life;  have  submitted  it  to  influences  capable  of  moderating  its  energy, 
and  in  short  have  resolved  this  wonderful  problem  of  transforming  it,  it 
the  agent  of  death,  into  an  agent  of  efficacious  preservation  which  renders 
invulnerable  those  attacked  by  the  natural  contagion  of  the  animals  which 
have  been  submitted  to  the  influence,  mitigated  by  a  systematic  culture 
of  the  living  element  of  this  contagion ;  and  this  grand  discovery  of  the 
attenuation  of  the  virus  that  the  entire  world  has  applauded  as  one  of  the 
most  wonderful  acquisitions,  the  most  marvellous  that  medical  science 
has  ever  made  perhaps;  this  discovery  which  in  the  capital  of  Scotland 
some  months  ago,  and  some  days  ago  in  the  capital  of  Denmark,  has 
yielded  to  M.  Pasteur  one  of  the  grand  triumphs  which  were  formerly 
accorded  to  the  conquerors  in  war. 

Hydrophobia  from  the  beginning  of  time  to  these  last  hours  has  lived  a 
fatal  disease,  against  which  all  attempts  have  ever  and  ignominiously 
failed,  and  here  to  day,  thanks  to  M.  Pasteur  and  his  collaborators  that  he  has 
associated  in  his  work,  it  can  be  transformed  into  a  disease  wholly  benig. 
nant,  which  not  only  is  compatible  with  life,  but  still  has  this  happy 
privilege  of  rendering  invulnerable  the  organisms  which  have  received 
the  germ,  in  that  state  of  benignity,  against  those  harmed  by  its  terrible 
virus,  when  they  are  inoculated  in  the  natural  conditions  of  intensity.  To 
render  hydrophobia  as  harmless  a  disease  as  carbuncle  has  become,  what 
a  marvellous  problem  is  solved ! 

They  knew  positively  that  it  was  contagious,  and  that  its  exclusive  mode 
of  transmission  was  inoculation,  which  might  be  accidental,  like  that 
which  results  from  a  bite,  the  most  frequent  of  all;  it  may  be  inoculation 
by  the  deposit  of  the  foam  of  a  mad  animal  upon  an  absorbing  mucous,  or 
wounded  surface,  or  may  be  in  short,  experimental  inoculation. 

When  they  inoculate  the  monkey  in  successive  series,  the  energy  of  the 
virulence  follows  a  descending  scale,  of  which  the  degrees  can  be  meas- 
ured by  the  increasing  duration  of  the  period  in  inoculation,  and  the 
attenuated  hydrophobia  of  the  monkey  is  transmitted  to  the  dog  or  rabbit; 
the  duration  of  the  period  of  inoculation  with  these  last  animals  is  wit- 
nessed by  the  proportionate  long  increase  of  the  attenuation  of  the  virus 
which  was  inoculated  to  thenar.  The  application  of  these  facts  says  M. 
Pasteur  places  in  our  hands  a  method  of  vaccinating  dogs  against  hydro- 
phobia. 


160  RABIES. 

Messieurs.  —  This  remedy,  after  which  the  victims  of  the  bite  of  rabid 
animals  have  always  looked  forward  to  with  so  much  ardor,  the  day  is  not 
far  off  without  doubt,  when  M.  Pasteur  and  others  will  be  able  to  place  it  in 
the  hands  of  physicians,  and  this  remedy  which  is  a  very  paradoxical  thing, 
this  will  be  the  terrible  virus  itself,  removed  by  the  wonderful  method 
of  attenuation  of  its  deadly  energy,  will  have  been  transformed  in  a  vac- 
cination against  itself,  and  will  be  able  to  invest  the  organism  to  which 
they  inoculate  it  with  a  beneficent  immunity,  thanks  to  which  the  natural 
virus,  inoculated  by  the  bite,  can  no  longer  take  effect  on  it." 
M.  Bouley  sums  up  as  follows.— 

Hydrophobia  and  Benignity! 

Hydrophobia  and  iMaruNTTY! 

Hydrophobia  and  Cure! 


DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  167 

COXVULSIOJYS. 

Convulsions  and  fits  are  terms  used  synonymously  and  signify  a  sudden 
seizure,  loss  of  consciousness,  involuntary,  spasmodic  contractions  of  the 
muscles  of  the  body,  foaming  at  the  mouth,  followed  by  stupor. 

Convulsions  among  dogs,  and  more  especially  in  early  life,  are  of  fre- 
quent occurrence.  Epilepsy  is  the  more  common  term  used  among  writers 
on  canine  diseases  to  designate  these  attacks;  it  should  more  properly  be 
restricted  to  those  purely  functional  in  character,  that  is,  not  necessarily 
attended  with  either  inflammation  or  appreciable  disease  of  structure, 
and  distinguished  by  a  chronic  course  and  unexpected  recurrence. 

Convulsions  do  not  represent  any  single  form  of  disease.  Among  the 
number  of  morbid  conditions  which  may  induce  them  some  are  determin- 
able, others  are  obscure,  and  of  them  we  possess  little  positive  knowledge. 

Causation.  —Predisposition  plays  a  prominent  part  in  the  production 
of  numerous  forms  of  convulsion ;  it  may  be  inherited,  or  acquired  through 
the  action  of  various  conditions  and  diseases. 

Nervous  disorders  are  more  easily  generated  in  some  breeds  of  dogs 
than  in  others,  and  in-breeding  among  such  cannot  lessen  the  liability. 
General  debility,  changes  in  the  blood,  age,  and  diseases  incident  to  par- 
turition, appear  strongly  to  favor  a  predisposition. 

Among  the  exciting  causes  may  be  mentioned  worms,  the  eruption  of 
the  teeth,  over  exertion,  intense  heat,  fear,  anger,  and  witnessing  other 
convulsions.  Prof.  Dalton  has  related  the  following  illustration  of  the 
effect  of  imitation  in  the  canine  race.  A  dog,  not  previously  affected  with 
epilepsy,  was  in  company  with  another  clog  which  was  subject  to  the  affec- 
tion; the  latter  being  seized  with  a  convulsion,  the  former  immediately 
afterward  had  a  similar  attack. 

Among  the  causes  exciting  convulsions  may  be  mentioned  numerous 
poisons,  strychnine,  etc.;  injuries  to  the  brain  and  spine;  in  fact  very 
many  irritations  and  inflammations  in  different  parts  of  the  body,  and 
derangements  and  diseases  of  the  internal  organs  may  give  rise  to  the 
affection. 

Symptoms.—  Convulsions  come  on  abruptly  and  without  symptoms 
indicative  of  their  onset.  If  the  dog  is  at  exercise,  he  stops  suddenly, 
remains  for  an  instant  fixed  to  the  spot  as  it  were,  his  legs  tremble,  utter- 
ing a  short,  sharp  cry  or  a  low  moan  he  falls,  possibly  attempts  to  rise 
again,  again  falls,  becomes  unconscious,  and  convulsive  movements  at 
once  begin.  More  often  they  are  at  first  what  are  termed  tonic  spasms, 
that  is  a  persistent  and  uniform  muscular  contraction  of  great  intensity, 
lasting  usually  for  a  few  seconds,  followed  by  spasms  for  which  the  name 
clonic  is  given.  By  this  it  is  understood  a  rapid  succession  of  contractions 


168  CONVULSIONS. 

and  relaxations  of  the  muscles,  by  means  of  which  the  body  is  kept  in  a 
state  of  continual  and  very  active  movement.  The  head,  the  limbs,  and 
the  bodj-  jerk  violently ;  the  tongue  is  sometimes  caught  between  the  teeth 
and  bitten;  the  movements  of  the  jaws  are  accompanied  with  a  foamy 
saliva,  frequently  tinged  with  blood  from  the  wounded  tongue.  Respira- 
tion during  the  tonic  spasm  is  arrested,  and  is  irregular  and  incomplete 
while  the  active  convulsion  exists;  in  consequence  the  mucous  membrane 
becomes  livid  and  congested. 

A  convulsion  may  be  slight  or  severe  and  prolonged.  As  the  paroxysm 
ends  the  animal  draws  a  deep,  long  sigh,  and  if  the  attack  is  epileptic  he 
then  soon  recovers  consciousness,  and  is  moving  about  as  though  nothing 
unusual  had  occurred.  In  some  cases  the  unfortunate  passes  into  a  state 
of  profound  stupor,  in  which  he  remains  a  variable  period.  Gradually 
consciousness  returns,  he  makes  several  attempts  to  rise,  reels  about  for 
a  few  steps  in  a  bewildered  manner,  grows  steadier,  and  is  soon  himself 
or  much  improved.  In  very  rare  cases  he  will  appear  delirious,  and  rush 
wildly  away  or  towards  those  about  him. 

tPro</nosis .  — Since  convulsions  cannot  be  considered  as  representative 
of  any  single  form  of  disease,  and  they  relate  to  many  morbid  conditions 
differing  from  each  other  so  widely,  unless  the  cause  is  known  which 
induces  them,  a  prognosis  cannot  be  made. 

In  epilepsy  the  paroxysms  recur  after  intervals  extremely  variable. 
When  worms  cause  an  attack,  their  removal  promises  a  cure.  The  so- 
called  suckling  fits  are  due  to  exhaustion  and  disappear  when  strength 
returns.  Convulsions  occurring  in  distemper  from  brain  irritation  almost 
invariably  prove  a  fatal  symptom.  The  same  may  be  said  when  they  ap- 
pear in  disease  of  the  kidneys,  and  as  the  result  of  poisons.  Teething  fits 
sometimes  end  fatally  but  are  more  often  recovered  from. 

In  a  general  way  it  may  be  said  the  prognosis  is  favorable  when  the 
causes  are  of  a  simple  nature  and  easily  removed. 

Treatment .  —  During  a  convulsion  the  animal  should  be  secured  to  pre- 
vent his  running  away  if  delirious  on  recovery.  The  object  of  treatment 
then  is  to  cool  the  head  and  keep  the  body  warm,  thereby  drawing  the 
blood  from  the  brain.  Bathing  the  head  with  cold  water  will  generally 
prove  quite  sufficient.  After  the  convulsive  movements  cease  if  he  is  in- 
clined to  sleep,  allow  him  to  remain  undisturbed. 

In  every  case  the  primary  cause  should  be  sought  for,  and  efforts  be 
made  to  effect  its  removal.  If  poison  is  suspected,  proper  treatment  will 
be  found  advised  elsewhere.  If  the  convulsion  is  prolonged,  the  injection 
of  the  hydrate  of  chloral  recommended  in  strychnine  poisoning  should 
be  given.  Generally  where  spasms  are  connected  with  diseases  or  de- 
rangements of  different  organs,  the  existence  of  such  disorders  will  have 


DISEA  SES  OF  THE  NEB  VO  US  S  YS  TEAL  1 69 

been  manifested  by  previous  symptoms,  and  tbeir  cure  is  demanded. 

The  treatment  of  general  predisposition  should  be  tonic  and  applied  to 
the  nervous  system.  The  oxide  of  zinc  in  two  grain  doses  twice  daily  is  a 
reliable  agent,  and  should  be  persisted  in  to  secure  a  full  effect.  Over- 
feeding, plethora,  want  of  exercise,  worms,  etc.,  suggest  a  change  in 
management  and  the  needed  medication. 


Vertigo. 

Vertigo  or  dizziness  is  an  occasional  symptom  among  dogs.  If  severe 
they  fall  suddenly,  remain  motionless  for  a  few  moments,  and  are  again 
moving  about  as  before.  In  mild  cases  they  simply  reel  for  a  few  steps 
like  one  intoxicated.  At  times  vomiting  occurs.  Generally  the  cause  can 
be  attributed  to  indigestion  or  liver  derangements.  Sometimes  over-eat- 
ing, and  occasionally  deprivation,  are  active  influences.  A  tight  collar 
may  interrupt  the  circulation  in  the  head  and  therefore  induce  an  attack. 

Treatment '.  —The  most  important  measure  is  to  obviate  the  cause. 
After  that  is  removed  tonic  remedies,  nutritious  diet  and  other  means  of 
improving  the  general  health  are  indicated. 


&<POPLEXY. 

The  term  apoplexy  signifies  a  sudden  stroke  or  shock.  It  does  not  rep- 
resent an  individual  disease,  but  is  applied  to  sudden  lethargy  or  profound 
stupor,  occurring  in  different  affections  of  the  brain. 

Causation .  —  The  most  frequent  condition  which  gives  rise  to  apoplexy 
is  hemorrhage  within  the  skull,  the  blood  pressing  upon  the  brain  sub- 
stance thereby  inducing  paralysis.  Sometimes  an  apoplectic  attack  is 
induced  by  sudden  congestion  of  the  brain,  as  in  cases  of  sunstroke. 
Another  condition  which  may  give  rise  to  it,  is  an  interruption  in  the  cir- 
culation of  blood  in  a  portion  of  the  brain  by  the  plugging  of  an  important 
artery.  This  accident  is  caused  by  clots,  which  may  have  formed  either 
in  the  heart  or  arteries.  Profound  stupor  may  occur  in  inflammation  of 
the  substance  of  the  brain,  and  as  the  result  of  uraemic  poisoning  in  dis- 
eases of  the  kidneys. 

Certain  morbid  conditions  within  the  skull  may  exist,  and  other  influen- 
ces which  invite  an  unusual  accumulation  of  blood  there,  may  co-operate 
to  cause  an  apoplectic  seizure.  Great  mental  excitement,  anger,  intense 
heat,  violent  exercise,  blows  on  the  head,  and  straining  are  among  the 
exciting  causes.    A  short  neck  and  full  habit,  as  seen  in  certain  breeds, 


1 70  DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 

was  formerly  concluded  as  denoting  a  predisposition  to  apoplexy;  this 
supposition  is  not  sustained  by  facts. 

Symptoms .  —The  abruptness  of  the  attack,  partial  or  complete  uncon- 
sciousness; slow,  heavy,  noisy  breathing;  full,  hard  pulse,  less  frequent 
than  in  health;  eyes  fixed  and  reddened;  mucous  membrane  purplish; 
convulsive  movements  observed  in  some  few  cases.  These  are  the  more 
common  symptoms  in  apoplectic  seizures. 

Treatment.— The  head  should  be  raised  and  kept  cold  by  applications, 
and  the  body  "warm  by  coverings  and  artificial  heat  if  needed.  Generally 
a  cathartic  should  be  given  as  soon  as  the  animal  can  swallow.  Too  active 
measures  are  unwarranted ;  bleeding  can  do  no  good,  and  the  treatment 
must  be  expectant;  perfect  rest,  and  efforts  to  sustain  the  vital  powers  by 
proper  nourishment  are  the  great  essentials.  Nature  must  be  aided  and 
depended  upon.  Apoplexy  is  a  grave  condition;  recovery  may  take  place, 
and  the  chances  of  a  recurring  attack  depend  upon  the  cause  which  gave 
rise  to  it  in  the  first  instance. 


CONCUSSION  OF  THE  BR£IjY. 

Concussion  signifies  sudden  shock  and  interruption  of  the  functions  of 
the  brain.  The  condition  is  rare  among  dogs,  but  may  exist,  caused  by  a 
blow  or  other  mechanical  injury  to  the  head. 

Symptoms. — In  ordinary  cases  the  animal  lies  for  a  time  motionless 
and  unconscious.  If  an  attempt  is  made  to  arouse  him  he  opens  his  eyes, 
moves  slightly,  and  again  becomes  insensible.  After  a  time  in  this  state, 
the  functions  of  the  brain  renew  their  activity,  he  moves  restlessly,  gen- 
erally vomits,  and  his  senses  return. 

In  more  severe  cases  of  concussion,  the  animal  is  unconscious  of  efforts 
to  arouse  him,  his  breathing  is  slow,  and  his  pulse  quick  and  feeble;  sur- 
face and  extremities  cold.  Vomiting  in  these  cases  rarely  occurs.  As 
reaction  goes  on  the  pulse  grows  stronger,  the  breathing  quicker,  circula- 
tion better,  and  the  body  warmer.  After  a  time  partial  sensibility  returns, 
and  when  at  last  on  his  feet  he  staggers,  reels  blindly  about,  and  possibly 
again  becomes  unconscious. 

Death  may  follow  a  severe  concussion;  in  some  instances  recovery 
takes  place  slowly ;  in  others  it  is  only  partial,  the  animal  remaining  infirm, 
with  intelligence  lessened. 

Treatment.  —The  skull  should  be  carefully  examined  for  a  possible 
fracture,  and  if  one  is  found  a  surgeon  should  be  immediately  consulted. 
In  mild  cases  there  is  but  little  need  of  active  interference.  When  the 
symptoms  indicate  the  injury  a  severe  one,  cold  should  be  applied  to  the 


DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  171 

head,  and  heat  to  the  body,  to  lessen  the  flow  of  blood  to  the  brain,  and 
thereby  prevent  inflammation. 

As  soon  as  the  animal  can  swallow,  a  purgative  should  be  administered, 
and  his  bowels  subsequently  kept  active.  If  inflammatory  symptoms 
manifest  themselves,  leeches  should  be  applied  to  the  back  of  the  head 
and  followed  by  a  blister.  Perfect  quietude  is  a  marked  essential.  The 
diet  should  be  mild  and  unstimulating. 

The  effects  of  a  severe  concussion  often  persist  for  a  long  time  and  may 
eventually  indicate  the  need  of  strychnine  in  small  doses. 


HYZ><ROCE<PH£Z  vs. 

This  affection  is  occasionally  seen  among  dogs  in  early  life.  The  for- 
mation of  tubercules  on  the  membranes  of  the  brain,  is  generally  stated 
to  be  the  exciting  cause;  the  normal  fluid  contents  become  intensely  aug- 
mented, and  portions  of  the  brain  degenerate  and  soften.  The  affection  is 
more  often  present  at  birth,  but  is  not  necessarily  congenital.  A  state  of 
impaired  nutrition,  a  weakly  constitution,  and  the  co-existence  of  rickets 
or  scrofula  is  the  more  often  noted. 

Puppies  affected  with  the  disorder  show  a  lack,  and  possibly  a  total 
absence  of  intelligence.  Very  often  partial  paralysis  of  the  hind  legs 
occurs,  and  the  dull,  drowsy,  symptoms  observed  in  compression  manifest 
themselves  in  a  greater  or  less  degree.  Convulsions  often  set  in  late  in  the 
disease.  The  general  appearance  of  the  animal  after  a  time  clearly  indi- 
cates the  hopelessness  of  treatment. 


Compression  of  the  B<r&ijy. 

Compression  of  the  brain  is  more  often  produced  by  either  an  effusion 
of  blood,  tumors,  fracture  of  the  skull  with  depression,  or  by  the  forma 
tion  of  pus  or  serous  fluid  within  the  cranial  cavity. 

Symptoms.—  Partial  or  complete  unconsciousness  and  stupor,  breath- 
ing slow,  labored,  and  noisy;  pupil  dilated  and  insensible;  pulse  slow; 
sometimes  the  urine  dribbles  away,  and  a  discharge  of  feces  occurs  invol- 
untary. 

Diagnosis.— To  discriminate  between  concussion  and  compression 
of  the  brain  is  by  no  means  easy  in  some  cases.  The  leading  points  of 
distinction  are  as  follows:  — The  symptoms  of  concussion  appear  immedi- 
ately after  the  accident;  those  of  compression  from  an  effusion  of  blood, 
may  manifest  themselves  after  an  interval.    Be  it  understood  that  for  a 


172  DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 

time  after  a  severe  "blow  on  the  head  it  will  he  difficult,  if  not  impossible, 
to  tell  whether  simple  concussion  or  compression  exists.  If  the  first 
symptoms  disappear  readily,  and  the  animal  seemingly  having  entirely 
recovered  afterwards  becomes  unconscious,  it  may  he  inferred  that  com- 
pression has  followed  concussion.  In  the  latter  the  pulse  and  hreathing  is 
weak  and  feeble,  the  body  cold;  in  the  former  the  breathing  is  heavy, 
labored,  and  noisy;  the  pulse  slow  and  full ;  complete  muscular  paralysis 
is  not  uncommon  in  this  condition,  but  rare  in  concussion. 

Treatment.—  Fractures  demand  surgical  treatment,  the  same  may  be 
said  if  it  can  he  determined  that  pus  has  formed  within  the  cranial  cavity. 
In  other  respects  the  treatment  advised  in  apoplexy  should  be  employed 
in  compression. 


&CUTE  Meningitis. 

Acute  inflammation  of  the  membranes  of  the  brain  is  an  affection  occa- 
sionally seen  among  dogs,  and  deserves  especial  consideration  from  the 
fact  that  there  is  presumptive  evidence  that  many  cases  are  taken  for 
rabies,  from  which  in  a  certain  stage  it  is  not  always  easy  to  discriminate. 

Causation.  — The  usual  causes  are  traumatic,  cerebral  concussion,  inju- 
ries acting  directly  upon  the  substance  of  the  brain,  intense  cold,  sunstroke, 
great  mental  excitement,  and  the  extension  of  inflammation  from  adja- 
cent organs.  The  disease  may  take  its  origin  in  otitis;  less  frequently  it 
extends  from  the  cavities  of  the  eyes.  Meningitis  is  sometimes  developed 
in  connection  with  distemper,  and  may  follow  other  constitutional  dis- 
eases. 

Symptoms.—  The  affection  in  rare  instances  comes  on  gradually  but 
more  often  the  onset  is  abrupt.  The  first  stage  is  one  of  active  congestion, 
and  is  characterized  hy  pain,  delirium  and  maniacal  excitement.  It  is 
now  that  the  disease  is  often  taken  for  rabies.  The  "behavior  becomes 
changed,  the  voice  altered,  the.  eyes  are  glistening  and  vacant  in  expres- 
sion, the  animal  is  extremely  restless,  snaps  and  barks  at  imaginary 
intruders,  and  hites  at  sticks  extended  to  him. 

In  meningitis  as  in  that  dreaded  madness  the  violence  and  maniacal 
excitement  occurs  in  paroxysms,  with  intervals  of  comparative  quiet. 
Convulsive  movements  occur,  snapping  the  jaws,  champing  the  teeth, 
and  foaming  at  the  mouth,  and  very  often  prolonged  general  convulsions 
are  observed.  The  bowels  are  constipated.  The  sense  of  hearing  remains 
acute,  and  when  called  the  animal  will  raise  his  head  as  though  listening, 
but  unahle  to  locate  from  whence  it  comes  or  appreciate  the  significance 
Of  the  sound,  he  does  not  respond. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  173 

When  on  his  feet,  if  confined  in  a  room,  lie  circles  around  it  sniffing  at 
the  walls,  at  times  stopping  and  barking  for  several  minutes,  his  voice 
altered  and  the  tone  pitched  high.  His  legs  tremble  under  him  showing 
increasing  -weakness.  Liquids  he  drinks  readily  and  with  feverish  rapac- 
ity. Vomiting  frequently  occurs ;  the  eyes  are  bloodshot,  the  face  haggard ; 
the  pulse  is  quickened,  and  the  temperature  of  the  body  notably  raised. 
Restlessness  is  a  marked  symptom  in  this  stage.  The  -writer  recalls  the 
case  of  a  young  mastiff  afflicted  with  the  disease,  which  he  allowed  to  run 
at  large  within  his  house,  that  the  symptoms  might  be  carefully  observed 
by  the  inmates.  This  dog  -while  he  had  strength  to  make  the  distance  had 
a  certain  point  to  -which  he  invariably  journeyed.  He  would  startfrom  his 
bed  in  the  kennel  man's  room,  climb  three  stairs,  enter  the  kitchen,  pass 
from  there  into  the  dining  room  of  his  master,  and  stop  at  the  hall  door, 
then  without  pausing,  take  the  same  direct  course  back,  and  on  reaching 
his  bed  again  turn  and  travel  the  same  distance,  always  for  the  same 
points,  never  deviating  or  passing  through  other  doors  or  going  beyond 
his  self  imposed  limits.  Other  dogs  lay  about  the  rooms  undisturbed  and 
unnoticed.  At  first  his  journeys  were  made  on  an  easy  walk,  head  carried 
low;  later  on  he  entered  a  run  which  he  kept  up  for  an  hour  at  a  time 
until  exhaustion  overcame  him,  then  for  a  brief  interval  he  remained 
quiet,  and  when  his  strength  returned  he  would  again  start  on  his  weari- 
some run.  The  inmates  of  the  house  would  occasionally  meet  him  on  his 
journeys;  without  any  disposition  to  bite  he  would  deviate  only  suffi- 
ciently to  pass  them  and  continue  on.  For  two  days  only  had  he  strength 
to  climb  the  stairs,  but  until  he  died,  some  three  days  later,  he  constantly 
made  feeble  efforts  to  do  so. 

The  stage  of  active  congestion  in  dogs  suffering  from  acute  meningitis 
is  short,  rarely  more  than  two  or  three  days,  when  the  symptoms  change 
as  an  effusion  forms  within  the  cranial  cavities  and  presses  upon  the 
brain.  Drowsiness  succeeds  the  maniacal  excitement ;  the  sight  becomes 
dim  or  wholly  disappears ;  obstructions  are  no  longer  avoided  but  blindly 
encountered.  In  his  movements  the  animal  seems  wholly  unconscious, 
crazed  as  it  were ;  his  bark  is  lower  and  feeble ;  he  still  drinks  if  his  nose 
is  guided  to  the  basin;  the  intervals  of  quiet  grow  much  longer;  he  rises 
to  his  feet  with  difficulty,  his  legs  weak  and  trembling;  the  stupor  grows 
more  profound;  paralysis  ends  his  tiresome  walks;  convulsions  occur 
often  and  severe;  death  finally  results. 

The  disease  under  consideration  may  run  a  fatal  course  in  two  or  three 
days;  rarely  will  it  extend  beyond  six  or  seven. 

^Diagnosis.  —From  the  foregoing  symptoms  it  will  be  understood  how 
easy  it  is  for  an  observer,  unfamiliar  with  the  manifestations  in  both  dis- 
eases to  mistake  acute  meningitis  for  that  dread  malady,  rabies,  and  yet 


174  DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 

after  a  careful  analysis  of  both  diseases  the  difference  is  as  easily  appre- 
ciated.  The  great  danger  of  confounding  them  lies  in  the  anxiety  which 
invariably  possesses  people,  who  sacrifice  dogs  on  the  first  appearance 
of  symptoms  which  indicates  the  barest  possibility  of  rabies;  they  jump 
to  conclusions  and  a  diagnosis  without  sufficiently  studying  the  case. 

To  kill  an  animal  suspected  of  being  mad,  is  not  the  first  but  the  last 
thing  to  do.  He  should  be  secured  and  every  possible  precaution  institu- 
ted to  prevent  injury  to  those  around  him,  and  then  be  carefully  watched. 
The  wisdom  of  this  plan  is  all  the  more  evident  if  the  animal  has  bitten 
anyone;  many  a  mind  has  been  nearly  crazed,  by  days  of  terror  and  hor- 
rible expectancy  which  might  have  been  averted,  had  not  panic  stricken 
friends  hurried  the  poor  dog  out  of  the  world,  when  he  should  have  been 
allowed  to  die  naturally  from  meningitis,  or  possibly  some  other  disease, 
in  the  course  of  which  a  few  symptoms  of  rabies  appeared. 

The  manner  of  the  attack  will  aid  much  in  diagnosis.  Acute  meningitis 
occurs  more  often  after  an  accident,  injury,  some  unusual  exposure,  or  is 
developed  in  connection  with  some  other  disease.  There  is  no  melan- 
cholic stage  as  is  seen  in  rabies,  no  shrinking  from  strangers ;  the  disposi- 
tion to  worry  articles,  carpets,  chair  legs,  etc.,  to  eat  indigestible  substances, 
to  lap  urine,  cold  stones,  and  iron,  to  stray  away,  to  attack  other  dogs,  is 
absent  in  meningitis.  Again  while  the  voice  is  altered,  the  bark  is  short, 
shai'p,  high  in  pitch,  entirely  unlike  the  hoarse,  croupy,  blended  howl  and 
wail  heard  in  rabies. 

In  that  dread  malady,  wood  work  is  bitten,  straw  shaken  in  the  teeth  of 
animals  infected;  sticks  extended  are  held  savagely  in  the  mouth  and 
withdrawn  only  with  great  effort.  In  meningitis  these  symptoms  are  ab- 
sent ;  an  animal  ill  with  the  disease  will  bite  at  a  stick  extended,  but  almost 
immediately  relinquish  it,  and  another  important  diagnostic  difference  is, 
while  maniacal  excitement  occurs  in  paxoxysms,  it  cannot  be  induced  by 
worrying  the  animal  as  in  the  case  of  madness. 

In  the  latter  disorder  there  appear  peculiar  illusions;  the  unfortunates 
will  see  as  it  were,  bugs,  spiders,  and  the  like  crawl  along  the  walls,  and 
follow  them  with  their  eyes  in  their  imaginary  course ;  this  symptom  does 
not  appear  in  meningitis;  neither  is  there  a  disposition  to  bite  other  ani- 
mals as  is  the  case  in  rabies.  In  the  former  affection  vomiting  generallj- 
occurs,  and  what  is  of  great  importance  to  consider,  is  the  fact  that  it  is  an 
inflammatory  disease,  and  the  febrile  movement  is  more  or  less  marked. 

Prognosis .  —Acute  meningitis  is  a  grave  disease  and  recovery  will  but 
rarely  take  place.  When  developed  in  connection  with  other  disorders  as 
distemper,  a  fatal  result  may  be  anticipated. 

Treatment.  —  An  animal  manifesting  the  symptoms  should  be  secured, 
and  a  measure  of  anxiety  will  be  removed  if  care  in  handling  is  observed. 


DISEA  SES  OF  THE  NEE  VO  US  S  YS  TEM.  J  75 

The  timorous  can  use  heavy  buckskin  gloves,  and  will  doubtless  feel  safer 
for  it,  although  after  meningitis  is  positively  determined  such  precautions 
are  needless.  Perfect  quiet  is  to  be  enforced;  the  diet  should  be  liquid 
bland  and  easily  digestible,  given  often  and  in  smaller  quantities  if  vom- 
iting is  persistent.  The  bowels  should  be  kept  active ;  the  syrup  of  buck- 
thorn in  tablespoonful  doses,  is  an  easy  cathartic. 

The  convulsions  demand  an  anti-spasmodic  remedy,  and  belladonna  is 
advised;  the  tincture  can  be  administered  in  five  drop  doses  every  three 
or  four  hours  as  needed. 

When  the  stage  of  effusion  is  reached,  the  iodide  of  potassium  should  be 
given  in  three  grain  doses,  four  times  daily,  and  a  blister  be  applied  to  the 
back  of  the  neck.  As  the  disease  progresses  the  need  to  support  the  pow- 
ers of  the  system  becomes  more  urgent. 


Chronic  Meningitis. 

Inflammation  of  the  membranes  of  the  brain  may  take  on  a  sub-acute 
or  chronic  form.  It  is  a  disease  which  comes  on  insidiously,  without 
characteristic  symptoms,  and  its  presence  is  usually  for  a  long  time  over- 
looked, the  manifestations  being  attributed  to  some  other  morbid  state. 
To  ascertain  the  cause  in  many  cases  is  no  less  difficult  than  to  reach  a 
correct  diagnosis;  injuries  to  the  head  are  doubtless  largely  instrumental 
in  inducing  the  affection.  Chronic  meningitis  is  one  of  the  diseases  upon 
which  epilepsy  is  dependent;  it  is  possible  that  in  some  diseases  of  the 
kidneys  it  occasionally  takes  its  origin. 

Certain  diseases  within  the  cranial  cavity  may  exist  for  a  considerable 
period  without  manifestations  clearly  indicating  the  head  as  the  seat  of 
the  derangements;  even  when  located  the  absence  of  distinctive  symp- 
toms renders  it  impossible  to  distinguish  chronic  meningitis  from  many 
other  affections  of  the  brain,  and  a  positive  diagnosis  can  rarely  be  made 
excepting  at  the  autopsy. 

If  a  dog's  disposition  changes;  if  he  gradually  grows  dull,  stupid,  and 
disinclined  to  exertion ;  sleeps  more  than  usual;  has  occasional  convul- 
sive movements,  possibly  confined  to  the  mouth;  carries  his  head  low; 
his  eyes  become  vacant  in  expression,  dim  in  sight  or  sightless;  his  move- 
ments when  on  his  feet  are  erratic,  and  it  is  known  that  sometime  in  the 
past  he  has  experienced  a  severe  blow  on  the  head,  then  the  presence  of 
chronic  meningitis  may  with  reason  be  suspected.  The  symptoms  de- 
scribed are  common  to  a  variety  of  affections  of  the  brain,  but  when 
following  an  injury  the  membranes  are  more  often  affected  than  the  brain 
substance. 


176  DISEASES  OF  TEE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 

The  treatment  consists  of  mild  laxatives,  blisters  or  setons  to  the  back 
of  the  head,  perfect  quiet,  nutritious  diet,  the  iodide  of  potassium  in  three 
grain  doses  three  times  daily,  and  possibly  after  this  agent  has  been  used 
for  several  weeks,  strychnine  can  wisely  be  substituted.  The  appetite  and 
general  condition  of  the  animal  will  indicate  whether  quinine  and  iron 
need  be  added  to  the  strychnine. 


Chores. 

Chorea  or  as  it  is  more  commonly  called,  St.  Vitus'  dance,  is  a  spasmodic 
affection  generally  accepted  as  purely  nervous. 

The  causation  is  obscure.  "Worms  have  been  assigned,  but  the  evidence 
is  insufficient.  Great  mental  excitement,  fear,  and  anger  might  induce  the 
disease.  It  very  commonly  follows  distemper.  It  is  characterized  by 
irregular  contractions  or  twitching  of  certain  muscles,  movements  which 
the  animal  has  no  power  to  control.  The  affection  may  be  extensive,  in- 
volving several  parts  of  the  body,  but  it  is  more  generally  confined  to  one 
set  of  muscles,  the  head  or  a  limb. 

Treatment.  —  The  disease  is  exceedingly  obstinate,  and  recovery  is  by 
no  means  certain.  The  purpose  should  be  to  remove  if  possible  all  mor- 
bid states  of  the  body  which  may  tend  to  aggravate  the  disease,  such  as 
constipation,  indigestion,  worms,  debility,  etc.  To  sustain  the  general 
strength  and  improve  the  vigor  of  the  nervous  system  by  tonics,  nutritious 
diet,  and  every  influence  conducive  to  perfect  health. 

A  diversity  of  remedies  have  been  advised  by  different  authors  as  a  cure 
for  this  disease.  Doubtless  the  most  serviceable  drugs  are  strychnine  and 
arsenic;  the  preference  given  to  the  former.  It  should  be  commenced  early 
in  the  affection  and  may  be  given  as  follows. — 

R     Strychnia?  Sulph.        gr.  ij 
Aqure  5  i 

Ft.  Mist.  Sig.  Dose  three  drops  twice  a  day. 
The  dose  should  be  increased  one  drop  daily  until  the  physiological  effects 
of  the  strychnia  are  observed,  as  evinced  by  a  stiffening  of  the  legs  or 
neck.  When  this  occurs  the  dose  should  be  at  once  reduced  to  three  drops, 
and  increased  again  as  before.  It  will  not  do  to  make  the  giving  of  this 
medicine  a  matter  of  convenience ;  it  must  be  faithfully  and  regularly  ad- 
ministered, and  its  action  carefully  watched.  If  no  decided  improvement 
follows  the  use  of  strychnine  after  a  reasonable  quantity  has  been  given, 
arsenic  should  be  substituted.  The  most  convenient  preparation  is  Fow- 
ler's solution  and  of  this  four  drops  can  be  given  twice  daily,  and  increased 
one  drop  every  two  or  three  days  until  the  specific  effects  of  the  medicine 


DISEA  SES  OF  THE  NEB  VO  US  S  YS  TEAT.  1 7 1 

are  produced  when  it  must  at  once  be  discontinued.  These  are  puffmess 
about  the  ej-elids,  loss  of  appetite,  a  disturbed  digestion,  occasionally  a 
falling  out  of  the  hair,  and  salivation.  If  it  is  deemed  wise  to  add  iron  to 
the  arsenic,  one  half  an  ounce  of  the  ferri  et  ammonige  citratis  can  be 
mixed  with  an  ounce  of  Fowler's  solution.  The  dose  of  this  preparation 
is  three  drops.  If  the  bowels  are  constipated,  the  syrup  of  buckthorn 
should  be  given  as  needed  to  promote  a  free  action.  In  exercise,  fatigue 
should  be  avoided.  The  use  of  the  nerve  tonics,  strychnine  or  arsenic 
should  be  prolonged  even  after  the  chorea  has  disappeared,  and  when  they 
are  discontinued,  cod  liver  oil  in  tablespoonful  doses  should  be  substitu- 
ted,  and  persisted  in  until  perfect  health  is  restored. 


NEvnaLGm. 

Neuralgia  is  a  disease  of  the  nervous  system  manifesting  itself  by  pains. 
Although  its  presence  among  dogs  is  rarely  detected  owing  to  the  difficul- 
ties clearly  apparent,  it  is  presumed  that  the  affection  is  not  an  uncommon 
one,  and  the  symptoms  of  it  are  misinterpreted  and  attributed  to  some 
other  disorder.  An  ancient  author  thus  defines  the  disease,  "neuralgia  is 
the  cry  of  a  nerve  for  more  blood  or  better  blood." 

Many  exciting  causes  both  local  and  constitutional  are  recognized  as 
active  in  producing  the  affection.  The  former  by  pressure  or  other  influ- 
ence applied  directly  to  the  nerve  itself;  the  latter  by  morbid  states  of  the 
blood,  exposure,  decayed  teeth,  disorders  of  digestion,  debility  and  many 
other  derangements. 

Neuralgia  may  appear  in  any  organ  or  part  of  the  body  supplied  with 
nerves  of  sensation.  The  pain  usually  manifests  itself  abruptly,  and  in 
severe  cases  is  excruciating,  forcing  an  animal  so  attacked  to  howl  pite- 
ously,  and  act  in  an  insane  manner  while  it  lasts.  It  usually  occurs  in 
paroxysms  with  intervals  of  comparative  ease. 

By  careful  examination  and  patient  watching, the  region  in  which  the 
pain  exists  may  be  determined,  and  the  cause  should  be  removed  if  pos- 
sible. Decayed  teeth  demand  extraction,  general  derangements  the  use 
of  tonics,  local  disturbances  the  proper  remedies  to  overcome  them.  If 
the  affected  nerve  can  be  located  and  is  accessible,  a  blister  should  be 
applied,  and  dressed  with  a  little  extract  of  belladonna. 

If  the  pain  is  excessive  and  attacks  are  prolonged,  laudanum  in  twenty 
drop  doses  is  indicated.  If  the  pains  occur  regularly  each  day  or  night 
at  about  the  same  hours,  three  grains  of  quinine  should  be  administered 
four  times  daily  until  they  cease. 


178  DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 

<Pti<R&LYSIS. 

Paralysis  is  a  symptom,  not  a  disease.  It  is  characterized  by  impair- 
ment o'r  loss  of  muscular  contraction  whilst  the  power  of  making  an 
effort  of  the  will  remains.  It  may  he  partial,  confined  to  one  or  more 
muscles;  or  the  muscular  system  may  he  involved. 

Paralysis  may  arise  from  diseases  of  the  great  nerve  centres,  the  hrain 
and  the  spinal  cord ;  it  may  be  due  to  certain  influences  which  diminish 
or  destroy  the  integrity  of  the  nerves  themselves ;  it  may  result  from  a 
diminution  or  loss  of  excitability  and  contractility  of  the  muscles. 

Causation .  —Contusions,  wounds,  fractures,  and  other  injuries  produced 
traumatic  ally.  Diseases  of  the  parts  in  the  region  of  the  nerves,  thereby 
causing  compression,  as  in  the  case  of  tumors,  enlarged  glands,  and  many 
other  conditions. 

Diseases  of  the  brain  and  spinal  cord  are  amongst  the  most  frequent 
causes  of  paralysis.  Disturbances  in  circulation  as  in  a  clot  plugging  an 
important  artery  in  the  brain,  thereby  cutting  off  the  supply  of  blood 
from  a  portion  of  it.  Certain  poisons  are  known  to  produce  paralysis. 
The  affection  in  some  instances  occurs  after  acute  diseases;  it  appears  in 
exhaustion  of  the  nervous  system. 

In  dogs  is  often  observed  the  so-called  reflex  paralysis,  occurring  in 
consequence  of  some  disease,  injury,  or  irritation,  existing  at  points  of 
nerve  distribution,  as  in  intestinal  disorders  and  affections  of  the  kidneys, 
bladder,  etc.  Worms,  constipation,  and  contusions  not  uncommonly  cause 
an  impairment  or  loss  of  power  in  the  hind  parts. 

Symptoms .  —If  paralysis  is  partial  it  is  shown  by  a  trembling,  feeble- 
ness, and  uncertainty  of  the  movements  of  the  parts  affected.  If  complete, 
the  muscles  are  more  often  relaxed  and  incapable  of  the  slightest  resist- 
ance. In  spinal  paralysis  the  uniform  affection  of  both  sides  is  the  more 
common  feature.  When  the  brain  is  the  seat  of  the  disease,  loss  of  power 
almost  always  occurs  on  one,  and  the  opposite  side  of  the  head  or  body. 
When  the  affection  is  reflex,  the  impairment  or  loss  is  limited  to  the  region 
supplied  by  one  or  a  few  nerve  trunks. 

The  disease  may  come  on  suddenly  or  gradually.  After  existing  for  a 
time  the  muscles  lose  their  contractility,  waste,  and  power  of  motion  in 
them  is  permanently  destroyed,  or  the  affected  nerves  may  change,  become 
incapable  of  conducting  impressions,  and  thus  recovery  is  impossible. 

Treatment.  — In  cases  of  paralysis  occurring  suddenly,  the  bowels 
should  be  moved  freely,  and  the  ability  of  the  animal  to  void  his  urine  be 
determined  by  watching.  If  the  bladder  is  involved  by  the  disease  it 
must  be  emptied  by  a  catheter.  It  is  of  the  greatest  importance  that  the 
cause  be  determined  and  treatment  directed  to  its  removal. 


DISEA  SE  S  OF  THE  NEE  VO  US  S  YS  TEAT.  275 

In  reflex  paralysis  induced  by  intestinal  troubles,  worms,  etc.,  proper 
remedies  are  advised  elsewhere. 

Poisons  demand  their  antidotes,  and  loss  of  power  occurring  after  acute 
diseases  suggests  improved  nutrition  and  nerve  stimulants.  If  the  impair- 
ment of  power  has  been  gradual,  and  the  disease  is  evidently  chronic  in 
character,  recovery  is  doubtful. 

An  important  indication  in  treatment  is  to  improve  the  general  health 
of  the  animal  as  well  as  to  restore  power  in  the  paralyzed  parts.  The 
kennel  arrangements  should  be  unexceptionable,  the  diet  generous, 
digestible,  and  sustaining.  Natural  movements  of  the  muscles  should  be 
executed  daily,  and  if  walking  is  possible,  gentle  exercise  is  imperative. 

The  medicinal  agent  to  be  depended  upon  as  a  nerve  stimulant  is 
strychnine,  and  should  be  given  in  gradually  increasing  doses  as  advised 
in  chorea.  Electricity  is  of  great  benefit  in  some  cases,  and  should  be 
used  to  assist  other  means  employed. 

While  strychnine  is  the  important  remedial  agent,  others  should  be  ad- 
ministered if  their  need  is  manifest.  Quinine,  iron,  and  cod  liver  oil  are 
demanded  in  many  cases. 


Tetanus. 

Tetanus  is  a  disease  manifested  by  continuous  muscular  spasm  or  rigid- 
ity. In  the  majority  of  cases  this  affection  is  caused  by  a  wound  or  local 
injury  of  some  kind.  Exposure  to  cold  and  intestinal  disturbances  may 
induce  it;  in  poisoning  by  nux  vomica  and  strychnia  the  convulsions  are 
tetanoid.  The  attack  may  be  general  or  partial ;  when  partial  it  is  mostly 
confined  to  the  neck  and  jaws,  and  hence  the  affection  is  known  as  lock- 
jaw. The  jaws  are  firmly  shut  by  the  rigid  contraction  of  the  muscles, 
and  the  mouth  cannot  be  opened  by  any  force  it  would  be  prudent  to  em- 
ploy. The  angles  are  drawn  and  the  lips  are  bathed  in  frothy  saliva. 
Often  swallowing  is  impossible,  owing  to  the  throat  being  involved. 

The  muscles  of  the  eyes  and  face  are  at  times  affected,  giving  rise  to 
hideous  distortions.  When  tetanus  is  general  the  body  and  limbs  are  stiff 
and  immovable,  the  abdominal  walls  shrunken  and  rigid;  respiratory 
movements  of  the  chest  are  restrained.  The  muscular  spasm  is  persistent; 
but  it  occasionally  subsides  a  little  and  then  comes  on  again  in  fits  of 
greater  violence. 

Death  may  result  from  exhaustion,  the  nervous  system  being  worn  out 
by  the  violence  of  the  spasm,  or  from  suffocation,  respiration  being  too 
long  suspended  during  a  violent  convulsion.  In  very  rare  instances  re- 
covery takes  place  on  the  removal  of  the  cause. 


230  DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 

Treatment.  —  To  remove  the  cause  is  the  first  axiom  in  the  treatment 
of  all  diseases.  Other  measures  to  be  employed  are  to  relax  the  spasms 
and  sustain  the  strength  of  the  animal.  Perfect  quiet  is  to  be  enforced 
and  the  administration  of  remedies  should  be  effected  as  gently  as  possi- 
ble. When  difficulty  in  swallowing  exists,  nourishment  and  medicine 
should  be  given  per  rectum. 

A  wound  if  apparently  the  cause  of  the  disease,  should  be  reopened  and 
a  free  discharge  of  pus  promoted;  cauterization  will  be  necessary  if  it  is 
ragged  and  ill-conditioned,  and  afterward  poultices  ought  to  be  applied. 

Among  the  many  sedatives  advised  in  the  treatment  of  this  disorder, 
chloral  hydrate  promises  the  best,  and  should  be  administered  as  is 
advised  in  strychnine  poisoning.  This  drug  may  prove  ineffectual;  if  so 
the  tincture  of  the  aconite  root  should  be  given  by  injection;  three  drops 
every  two  hours  until  relief  is  obtained.  If  the  result  from  the  use  of  aco- 
nite is  discouraging,  one  eighth  of  a  grain  of  morphine  may  be  administered 
subcutaneously,  and  repeated  every  three  or  four  hours. 

Of  the  utmost  importance  is  abundant  nourishment  and  stimulation. 
A  cup  of  milk  or  beef  tea  with  a  raw  egg  and  a  tablespoonful  of  brandy 
should  be  given  by  the  rectum  every  three  or  four  hours,  unless  it  can  be 
taken  by  the  mouth.  It  is  to  be  remembered  that  after  the  spinal  cord 
becomes  affected  it  acts  independently,  and  its  irritation  does  not  subside 
on  the  removal  of  the  exciting  cause. 


CH&<PTE<R    XV. 


GENER&L    (DISEASES. 


'Distemper. 

Distemper  is  a  fever  originating  through  infection  of  the  system  with  a 
certain  peculiar  poisonous  matter,  the  nature  of  which  is  unknown.  By 
some  it  is  denominated  the  specific,  catarrhal  fever  of  the  dog;  the  name 
being  suggested  by  the  inflammation  of  the  mucous  structure  which  char- 
acterizes the  affection. 

Causation.  —  When  contagion  plays  so  important  a  part,  the  existence 
of  a  specific  germ  must  he  admitted  for  a  disease  so  clearly  defined  and 
so  well  characterized.  Accepting  this  theory  we  reach  the  natural  con- 
clusion that  distemper  never  originates  spontaneously,  but  is  dependent 
upon  a  transmission,  a  continued  propagation  of  the  disease  poison. 
Some  writers  found  sufficient  explanation  for  the  origin  of  the  affection 
in  exposure  to  damp  and  cold,  ill  ventilated  kennels,  poor  food,  improper 
feeding  and  the  like,  but  as  ideas  have  gradually  developed  and  important 
advances  have  been  made  in  tracing  to  fixed  conditions  of  truth  the  ori- 
gins of  certain  diseases,  once  believed  to  have  originated  by  equivocal 
generation,  we  can  scarcely  doubt  the  doctrine  of  continuous  propagation, 
and  can  no  longer  realize  how  every  considerable  deviation  from  a  proper 
observance  of  the  laws  of  health  should  be  followed  by  the  production  of 
a  particular  disease. 

That  influences  which  tend  to  debilitate  are  potent  factors  in  the  exten- 
sion of  the  disease  is  not  questioned,  but  that  it  originates  only  when  the 
specific  germ  of  the  disease  exists  by  itself,  or  has  been  introduced,  must 
be  believed. 

The  poison  of  distemper  can  be  conveyed  from  one  dog  to  another  by 
contact;  but  it  is  true  that  direct  contact  is  not  a  necessary  condition  for 
transmission;  it  can  be  conveyed  by  the  air  and  in  many  other  ways. 

Hunting  in  his  admirable  treatise  on  this  disease  states:  — "There  are 
certain  circumstances  favorable  to  its  origin  — the  congregation  together 
of  large  numbers  of  dogs,  the  transit  of  clogs  through  the  same  places  and 


182  GENERAL  DISEASES 

in  the  same  vehicles,  contact  with  strange  dogs  — all  of  which  are  simply 
facilities  for  the  conveyance  and  transmission  of  the  specific  poison  of 
the  disease.  In  kennels  of  honnds  the  most  common  time  for  outbreaks 
of  distemper  to  appear  is  when  the  young  entries  arrive,  *.  e.,  when  the 
j-oung  hounds  which  have  been  farmed  out  at  various  places,  return  home. 
Any  of  these  may  have  been  in  contact  with  a  dog  suffering  from  distem- 
per, and  if  one  be  infected  all  in  contact  with  it  suffer.  The  possibilities 
of  the  introduction  of  disease  are  in  exact  proportion  to  the  number  of 
places  from  which  the  animals  are  collected.  Dog  shows  are  a  fruitful  cause 
of  the  spread  of  distemper.  No  matter  how  well  managed  they  may  be,  the 
mere  fact  of  collecting  from  various  places  a  vast  number  of  dogs,  renders 
a  large  show  almost  certainly  a  focus  from  which  the  disease  is  dissemi- 
nated widely.  In  some  cases  a  large  show  has  been  the  means  of  infecting 
nearly  every  puppy  sent  to  it.  The  malady  is  not  at  once  made  evident, 
but  shows  itself  a  few  days  after  the  return  of  the  animals.  This  cannot 
altogether  be  prevented.  Dogs  just  convalescent  and  free  from  any  ap- 
parent disease  are  sent  to  shows,  and  are  capable  of  communicating 
distemper  to  others.  Even  healthy  dogs  having  an  immunity  from  the 
disorder,  because  of  a  previous  attack,  may  carry  the  disease  in  their 
coats  if  they  have  been  in  recent  contact  with  a  diseased  dog,  and  so 
spread  the  malady  without  ever  being  suspected.  Some  of  these  risks 
might  be  obviated  by  requiring  all  exhibiters  to  state  that  for  one  month 
previously  their  kennels  have  been  free  from  contagious  disease,  and  that 
their  dogs  have  not  been  in  contact  with  diseased  dogs  for  a  week  anterior 
to  the  show.  Railway  boxes,  hampers  and  portable  kennels  are  sources 
of  possible  contagion  which  might  be  lessened  were  disinfection  and 
washing  more  methodically  carried  out.  Distemper  can  be  easily  trans- 
mitted from  a  diseased  to  a  healthy  dog  by  a  nasal  discharge.  It  is  often 
spread  by  means  of  the  food  which  a  diseased  dog  has  left.  Its  conta- 
giousness probably  no  one  disputes,  but  most  men  believe  that  there  are 
cases  which  rise  independently  of  any  contagion.  The  basis  of  such  a 
theory  is  the  fact  that  in  some  cases  the  exact  method  of  communication 
is  not  traceable.  Until  a  case  can  be  found  under  circumstances  which 
render  the  conveyance  of  the  specific  poison  an  impossibility,  this  theory 
has  absolutely  no  facts  to  support  it.  The  method  of  communication  of 
disease  is  often  difficult  to  trace ;  we  can  satisfactorily  account  for  ninety 
cases  out  of  a  hundred  by  contagion,  and  it  can  hardly  be  called  begging 
the  question  to  say  that  the  odd  ten,  presenting  the  same  sign,  running 
the  same  course,  and  being  equally  contagious,  are  due  to  the  same  cause 
that  actuated  the  ninety." 

In  accepting  the  theory  of  the  existence  of  a  specific  poison,  and  that 
distemper  can  only  be  communicated  by  contagion,  the  alleged  causative 


DISTEMPER.  183 

conditions,  such  as  exposure,  debility,  improper  feeding,  ill  ventilated 
kennels  etc.,  are  to  be  regarded  no  longer  as  exciting  causes,  and  are  to 
be  considered  only  in  so  far  as  they  may  increase  susceptibility,  favor  ex- 
tension, and  possibly  determine  the  severity  of  the  disease. 

It  is  reasonable  to  suppose  that  inasmuch  as  the  general  system  becomes 
weakened  by  anti-hygienic  influences.the  power  to  resist  contagion  is  les- 
sened, the  severity  of  disease  is  in  a  measure  intensified,  reaction  and 
repair  are  retarded,  and  mortality  is  thereby  increased. 

The  poison  of  distemper,  as  in  other  contagious  diseases,  can  reproduce 
itself  under  favorable  conditions  to  an  endless  degree ;  it  retains  its  vitality 
and  power  of  infection  for  a  long  time  outside  of  the  organism  which 
produced  it;  it  has  no  special  stage  of  development  to  pass  through  on 
the  way  from  the  affected  organism  to  the  one  to  be  affected;  but  at  the 
time  of  infection  it  is  essentially  in  the  same  condition  as  when  given  up 
by  the  organism  yielding  it.  That  a  simple  attack  of  distemper  success- 
fully overcome,  imparts  an  immunity  from  it  for  the  remainder  of  life,  is 
a  rule  with  only  occasional  exceptions.  In  explanation  of  the  theory  of 
immunity  bestowed  on  man  by  certain  contagious  diseases,  it  has  been 
suggested  that  something  analagous  to  the  ferment  process  takes  place. 
If  yeast  is  placed  in  a  fluid  containing  sugar,  fermentation  follows;  when 
all  the  sugar  has  been  destroyed,  and  fermentation  is  complete,  it  cannot 
be  produced  again  by  a  further  addition  of  sugar;  the  fluid  responds  no 
longer  to  the  action  of  the  yeast.  It  is  conjectural  that  during  certain 
contagious  diseases  there  is  a  destruction  or  change  in  the  body  of  some 
chemical  or  constituent,  the  presence  of  which  is  a  necessary  condition  for 
the  retention  or  development  of  the  disease.  It  is  not  unreasonable  to 
suppose  that  in  distemper  something  analogous  takes  place. 

The  disease  under  consideration  has  been  compared  by  some  to  the 
typhoid  fever  of  man;  that  it  differs  in  its  important  symptoms,  and 
appearances  as  observed  after  death  is  true,  but  it  seems  that  the  greatest 
disparity  of  all  has  been  overlooked;  typhoid  fever  belongs  to  the  class 
of  miasmatic  contagious  diseases  and  is  propagated  in  an  essentiallj 
different  manner. 

Distemper  can  be  conveyed  by  contact  from  a  diseased  animal  to  a 
healthy  one  and  produce  the  disease  in  him,  while  typhoid  fever  is  not 
contagious  in  the  proper  sense  of  the  word,  for  it  is  never  transmitted  by 
direct  contact.  On  the  profound  difference  in  the  mode  of  propagation 
depends  the  essential  difference  in  the  two  diseases.  A  far  greater  analogy 
exists  between  typhus  fever  of  man  and  distemper ;  it  belongs  to  the  same 
class  of  contagious  diseases;  the  specific  germ  is  evidently  transmitted 
and  propagated  in  much  the  same  manner.  The  incubation  period,  the 
febrile  stage,  the  duration,  the  self  limitation,  and  many  essential  symp- 


184  GENERAL  DISEASES. 

torus  are  alike  peculiar  to  both.  Although  distemper  attacks  dogs  of  all 
ages  it  is  more  common  in  early  life,  the  disease  in  old  dogs  being  rarely 
observed,  for  the  reason  that  nearly  all  have  experienced  an  attack  and 
are  absolutely,  or  in  a  great  measure  insusceptible  to  the  poison. 

Symptoms.  —The  period  of  incubation,  or  slow  development  after  expo- 
sure to  contagion  and  preceding  the  first  symptoms  of  distemper,  is  from 
four  to  fourteen  days;  probably  the  latter  is  the  limit  in  the  large  majority 
of  cases.  An  attack  is  usually  preceded  by  dulness,  disinclination  to 
exertion,  loss  of  appetite,  and  chilly  sensations  as  shown  by  shiverings. 
Then  rapidly  follow  the  symptoms  of  a  common  cold,  sneezing,  dry, 
husky  cough,  and  a  watery  discharge  from  the  eyes  and  nose.  The  fever 
soon  becomes  prominent,  the  pulse  full  and  decided,  the  nose  hot  and  dry, 
and  the  lining  membrane  of  the  eyelids  reddened,  the  tongue  slightly 
coated,  and  the  secretion  of  saliva  diminished.  Vomiting  is  not  uncom- 
mon, food  is  rejected  or  eaten  sparingly;  there  is  thirst,  a  tendency  to 
constipation,  and  still  greater  prostration.  On  the  second  or  third  day  the 
discharge  from  the  eyes  and  nose  becomes  purulent,  gluing  the  inflamed 
eyelids  together,  and  drying  in  crusts  around  the  nostrils  as  the  fever 
grows  more  intense.  Muscular  weakness  and  prostration  increase,  the 
animal  is  less  easily  disturbed,  and  when  in  motion  hangs  his  head,  makes 
but  little  effort,  soon  lies  down,  becomes  indifferent,  or  dozes  into  an 
unquiet  sleep. 

The  cough  at  first  short  and  dry,  loses  its  husky  tone  as  the  mucous 
secretion  becomes  abundant,  and  in  mild  cases  soon  ceases.  As  the  dis- 
ease progresses  the  pulse  and  respiration  are  increased  in  frequency;  the 
appetite  more  often  entirely  disappears;  the  stomach  and  intestines  be- 
come irritable,  and  a  stale,  even  offensive  odor  proceeds  from  the  mouth. 

The  fever  runs  a  course  of  variable  intensity ;  in  uncomplicated  cases 
it  usually  reaches  its  height  in  four  or  five  days,  and  then  rapidly  subsides. 
So  favorable  a  result  is  by  no  means  the  rule;  more  often  complications 
arise,  prolonging  the  illness,  and  rendering  recovery  more  uncertain.  If 
reaction  is  delayed,  and  the  constitutional  disturbances  persist,  prostra- 
tion becomes  more  marked,  and  is  accompanied  with  rapidly  increasing 
emaciation. 

In  the  progress  of  distemper  seemingly  trifling  influences  often  induce 
disastrous  results;  a  system  vitiated  by  the  specific  poison  of  the  disease, 
deranged  and  prostrated  by  an  intense  fever,  its  vital  energies  exhausted, 
has  but  little  resistive  power,  and  is  predisposed  to  further  disorder.  The 
digestive  organs  already  suffering  from  catarrhal  conditions,  are  easily 
inflamed  by  medicine  or  food  unwisely  selected;  an  irritable  condition  of 
the  mucous  membrane  of  the  air  passages  renders  it  easy  to  excite  a 
catarrh  of  the  smaller  bronchial  tubes;  weakness  of  the  heart's  action 


DISTEMPER.  185 

invites  certain  congestive  changes  in  the  lungs;  pneumonia  constitutes  a 
frequent  and  serious  complication  of  distemper.  In  this  disease  as  in 
all  others  characterized  hy  prolonged  high  fever,  certain  degenerative 
changes  occur  in  the  internal  organs,  the  vessels,  the  hlood,  and  in  the 
muscular  system.  The  change  in  the  liver  is  shown  hy  the  markedly 
diminished  secretion  of  "bile,  the  constituents  of  it  "being  retained  in  the 
hlood  and  giving  rise  to  jaundice. 

The  muscular  degeneration  is  a  part  of  the  manifestation  of  the  fever, 
and  depends  upon  the  derangement  of  a  centre  regulating  the  nutrition 
of  the  muscles.  In  many  cases  of  distemper  the  functions  of  the  brain 
become  more  or  less  disturbed  and  weakened;  occasionally  effusions 
take  place  within  the  cranial  cavity ;  epileptiform  or  general  convulsions, 
ineningitic  symptoms,  apoplectic  seizures  are  in  a  high  degree  prejudi- 
cial to  the  chances  of  recovery;  for  they  indicate-  some  unusual  cause  of 
disturbance,  often  a  gi-ave  disease  of  the  brain  or  its  attachments.  There 
is  a  decided  tendency  to  constipation  among  some,  wdule  among  others 
diarrhoea  and  even  dysentery  exist. 

During  the  period  of  dentition  puppies  are  predisposed  to  convulsions 
and  intestinal  catarrh;  the  transition  of  the  latter  into  a  more  serious  dis- 
ease of  the  bowels,  attended  hy  profuse  discharges  and  rapid  emaciation, 
occasionally  occurs,  and  in  some  instances  terminates  in  collapse  and 
death.  The  influence  of  age  is  strikingly  manifested  m  distemper;  the 
fever  usually  running  a  course  of  greater  intensity  among  puppies.  The 
presence  of  worms  is  a  complication  which  by  functional  disturbances 
prejudices  recovery. 

Of  notable  influence  upon  the  course  of  the  disease  under  consideration  is 
the  constitution  of  the  dog  attacked.  Some  breeds  are  more  sensitive  and 
excitable;  others  in  comparison  might  be  called  sluggish;  in  the  former 
the  general  disturbances  of  the  system  are  more  pronounced,  and  brain 
symptoms  are  more  easily  induced.  It  is  presumed  that  the  in-and-in 
bred  animals  for  this  reason  have  less  resistant  capability;  the  same  may 
be  said  of  dogs  improperly  fed  and  generally  neglected. 

Occasionally  distemper  is  aggravated  and  protracted  in  its  course  by 
irritable  and  painful  ulcers  of  the  cornea,  resulting  from  an  inflammation 
of  the  eyes,  at  first  superficial  and  unimportant.  An  eruption  of  the  skin, 
and  loss  of  hair  from  some  portions  of  the  body,  is  a  frequent  complica- 
tion, due  doubtless  to  weakened  vitality  and  impaired  nutrition. 

Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  during  an  attack  of  distemper  the  predisposing 
influences  which  invite  further  disorder  are  many,  powerful,  and  not  in- 
frequently beyond  control.  The  duration  of  the  disease  depends  upon 
the  complications  which  may  arise;  where  none  appear  the  fever  reaches 
its  height  about  the  fifth  day,  then  gradually  declines,  and  recovery  is 


186  GENERAL  DISEASES. 

complete  at  the  end  of  the  third  week.  In  cases  running  a  fatal  course 
death  usually  occurs  before  the  fifteenth  day.  Chorea  and  paralysis  are 
two  important  affections  consequent  upon  certain  attacks  of  distemper; 
the  latter  usually  affecting  the  hind  quarters  only. 

The  duration  of  complicated  cases  of  distemper  is  problematical.  In 
many  instances  convalescence  is  for  a  long  time  delayed,  and  recovery 
takes  place  slowly  and  is  only  completed  after  many  weeks.  When  we 
consider  that  the  important  organs  in  all  parts  of  the  body  are  weakened 
and  otherwise  injured  by  the  distemper  process,  that  important  constitu- 
ents have  been  destroyed,  that  nutrition  is  retarded  by  defective  digestion, 
it  becomes  intelligible  to  us  that  complete  restoration  is  slow  after  the 
severer  attacks  of  the  disease. 

Treatment. — Distemper  is  a  disease  which  tends  intrinsically  to  end 
after  a  certain  time,  and  is  therefore  self  limited.  A  fatal  result  is  rarely 
due  to  the  intensity  of  the  disease;  death  is  generally  attributable  to  com- 
plications. These  facts  are  of  considerable  importance  in  estimating  the 
amount  of  curative  influence  exerted  by  methods  of  treatment.  No  relia- 
ble means  are  yet  known  which  can  be  depended  upon  to  arrest  this  disease, 
or  even  shorten  the  duration  of  the  febrile  career.  Active  measures  em- 
ployed simply  because  the  distemper  exists,  without  reference  to  events 
connected  with  it,  are  contra-indicated.  The  progress  should  be  carefully 
watched  and  appropriate  treatmentbe  employed  as  unfavorable  symptoms 
arise;  attempts  should  not  be  made  to  abridge  or  arrest  the  disease,  but 
rather  is  nature  to  be  assisted,  and  remedies  be  employed  to  aid  in  con- 
ducting it  to  a  favorable  termination. 

The  management  of  distemper  involves  not  only  the  exercise  of  judg- 
ment in  the  employment  of  medicinal  remedies,  but  of  attention  to 
sanitary  and  sustaining  or  supporting  measures;  a  most  important  object 
being  to  obviate  the  tendency  to  death  by  exhaustion,  and  to  forestall  a 
degree  of  prostration  dangerous  to  life. 

When  the  disease  makes  its  appearance  the  affected  animal  should  be 
Isolated  from  others  and  placed  in  dry,  well  ventilated  quarters.  The  im- 
portance of  an  abundance  of  pure  air  cannot  be  exaggerated;  in  cold 
weather  moderate  artificial  heat  will  be  needed.  The  presence  of  disin- 
fectants about  the  room  is  advised,  and  the  preparations  of  lime  and 
carbolic  acid  in  powder  are  to  be  preferred. 

It  is  an  urgent  necessity  that  as  complete  bodily  rest  as  possible  be 
secured  from  the  very  beginning  of  an  attack ;  restraint  must  therefore  be 
enforced  until  the  period  of  danger  has  passed.  To  unload  the  bowels 
at  the  onset  is  important,  and  the  syrup  of  buckthorn  and  castor  oil,  of 
each  two  or  three  teaspoonfuls,  may  be  given. 

Appreciating  the  disturbing  influence  of  a  high  fever  it  is  our  first  duty 


DISTEMPER.  181 

to  endeavor  as  far  as  possible  to  hold  this  under  control,  and  for  that  pur 
pose  the  following  may  he  employed  for  the  first  two  or  three  days.— 
R    Tr.  Aconiti  Had.  gtt.  xxx 

Potass.  Chloratis  3  i 

Amraon.Mur.  3ss 

Spts.  ^Eth.  Nit.  5i 

Aqua3  5  ij 

Ft.  Mist.  Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful. 
While  the  fever  is  intense  this  mixture  may  he  given  in  teaspoonful  doses 
every  two  hours,  and  discontinued  as  soon  as  the  high  temperature  abates. 
Taken  in  the  first  stage  of  the  disease,  the  administration  of  quinine  in 
one  large  dose  generally  results  in  materially  reducing  the  fever.  If  em- 
ployed, eight  grains  should  be  given  in  pill  form ;  this  is  not  to  be  repeated, 
but  the  fever  mixture  can  be  subsequently  used  if  needed.  A  constant 
supply  of  pure  drinking  water  is  an  essential,  and  the  chlorate  of  potassa 
should  be  added  to  it,  in  proportion  of  two  teaspoonfuls  to  a  quart. 

It  is  a  matter  of  the  greatest  consequence  that  an  affected  dog  be  well 
nourished,  and  a  proper  amount  of  food  should  be  insisted  upon,  even  if 
no  desire  for  it  exists.  During  the  first  day  or  two  he  will  doubtlessly  eat 
sparingly  of  broths,  beef  tea,  or  milk,  and  what  is  taken  voluntarily  will 
suffice.  The  appetite  will  then  more  often  nearly  if  not  entirely  disappear ; 
when  all  else  is  rejected,  raw  beef  in  many  cases  will  still  be  acceptable, 
and  should  be  allowed.  To  render  it  more  easy  of  digestion  it  should  be 
scraped,  and  one  or  two  tablespoonfuls  given  every  two  hours.  The  addi- 
tion of  gelatine  and  raw  eggs  to  the  beef  renders  it  still  more  nutritious. 
In  some  instances  no  nourishment  of  any  description  will  be  taken  volun- 
tarily; force  must  now  be  employed,  measured  by  the  manifest  need  to 
support  and  sustain  the  vital  powers. 

The  irritability  of  the  stomach  and  intestines,  and  the  tendency  to  vom- 
iting and  diarrhoea  must  not  be  overlooked,  and  the  most  easily  digested 
and  concentrated  nourishment  be  selected.  Milk  and  lime  water,  strong 
beef  tea,  and  beef  essences  are  indicated.  Food  should  be  poured  down 
the  animal's  throat  at  least  four  times  a  day;  in  shorter  intervals  if  emaci- 
ation is  great  and  rapidly  progressive.  No  more  than  a  cup  full  should  be 
administered  at  one  time.  If  vomiting  is  excited,  the  quantity  of  nour- 
ishment must  be  divided  and  given  oftener.  Milk  and  lime  water  is  easily 
borne  on  an  irritable  stomach,  but  if  possible  it  should  be  alternated  with 
beef  tea  and  beef  extracts;  the  addition  of  a  raw  egg  to  each  cup  full 
renders  the  nourishment  more  strengthening  and  no  more  difficult  of 
digestion.  After  the  fourth  or  fifth  day  it  will  be  well  to  give  with  the 
food,  four  times  a  day,  one  grain  of  quinine  in  pill  form. 

Stimulants  are  never  to  be  withheld  until  that  point  is  reached  when 


188  GENERAL  DISEASES. 

prostration  Indicates  a  failure  of  vital  powers  imminent.  If  the  animal 
seems  fairly  well  sustained,  and  the  nourishment  is  well  borne  on  the 
stomach,  a  teaspoonful  of  sherry  wine  may  properly  he  added  to  each 
cup  full  of  milk  or  broth;  as  the  disease  progresses  and  he  grows  weaker, 
the  amount  should  be  increased  to  a  tablespoonful ;  if  failure  is  still  pro- 
gressive, then  brandy  must  displace  the  wine  and  should  be  given  in 
quantities  from  a  teaspoonful  to  a  tablespoonful  as  the  need  is  urgent. 
Even  brandy  may  prove  insufficient  to  stay  exhaustion ;  then  to  it  must  be 
added  one  half  a  teaspoonful  of  aromatic  spirit  of  ammonia.  . 

It  is  presumed  that  in  an  uncomplicated  and  properly  treated  case  of 
distemper,  the  need  of  excessive  stimulation  will  rarely  occur;  cases 
where  neglect  and  injudicious  dosing  have  induced  extreme  depression 
will  be  more  often  seen,  and  not  infrequently  will  complications  exist 
without  being  at  once  recognized.  The  general  disturbance  will  however 
be  apparent  and  demand  the  use  of  stimulants  as  advised.  Treat  the 
affected  animal  and  not  the  disease  is  a  wise  rule  to  follow. 

It  is  not  always  easy  to  determine  just  when  pneumonia  and  other  affec- 
tions become  complicated  with  distemper,  and  to  remain  inactive  while 
the  animal  is  growing  worse,  until  positive  evidence  of  their  existence  is 
manifested  beyond  a  doubt,  would  be  extremely  hazardous ;  the  study  and 
treatment  of  symptoms  is  therefore  imperative. 

Vomiting  may  possibly  occur  notwithstanding  every  care  in  diet,  and 
demands  the  use  of  subnitrate  of  bismuth  in  five  grain  doses,  four  times  a 
day.  When  the  stomach  is  too  irritable  to  retain  milk,  broths,  beef  tea, 
etc.,  they  must  be  withheld  for  a  few  hours,  and  only  scraped  raw  beef 
pressed  into  a  pill  form  be  given  with  the  bismuth. 

Constipation  if  it  exists  will  rarely  if  ever  need  medicinal  treatment; 
liver  and  oatmeal  have  a  decidedly  laxative  action,  and  if  they  prove 
insufficient  a  rectal  injection  can  be  administered.      '   ' 

Pulmonary  complications  are  largely  attributable  to  exposure  to  cold, 
and  may  appear  at  any  time  during  the  course  of  the  disease ;  more  often 
they  occur  after  the  height  has  been  reached,  and  during  the  period  of 
convalescence. 

Diarrhoea  is  the  more  often  due  to  dietetic  errors,  and  the  cause  should 
be  obviated.  Two  or  three  discharges  from  the  bowels  daily  call  for  no 
remedial  agents;  in  more  relaxed  conditions,  paregoric  in  teaspoonful 
doses  alone  or  combined  with  twice  that  quantity  of  chalk  mixture,  and 
repeated  as  needed,  should  be  administered. 

The  discharge  from  the  nose  and  eyes  should  never  be  allowed  to  accu- 
mulate, a  sponge  and  borax  water  being  used  in  its  removal.  During 
convalescence  exercise  should  be  restricted,  and  exposure  carefully 
guarded  against.    Changes  in  diet  should  be  made  cautiously,  measured 


GENERAL  DISEASES.  189 

by  the  powers  of  digestion.  If  recovery  is  slow  tonics  are  indicated,  cod 
liver  oil  will  prove  especially  valuable.  The  different  complications  will 
be  found  elsewhere  considered  as  distinct  diseases. 


DIPHTHERIA. 

While  diphtheria  is  an  affection  which  very  rarely  attacks  dogs,  the  fact 
that  it  has  been  observed  among  them  renders  a  brief  description  war- 
rantable. 

It  is  a  disease  which  invades  especially  the  membrane  of  the  air  pas- 
sages, and  general  infection  follows  the  local  expression.  The  local  disease 
appears  as  an  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane,  especially  of  the 
mouth,  pharynx,  nose,  larynx,  and  deeper  air  passages,  and  precedes  the 
formation  of  a  greyish-white  membranous  exudation. 

The  constitutional  affection  has  the  character  of  infectious  diseases,  and 
is  essentially  the  same  as  in  all  dependent  upon  blood  poisoning.  The 
problem  is  still  unsolved  whether  diphtheria  is  at  first  a  general  disease, 
and  poisoning  of  the  blood  and  the  local  affections  of  the  mucous  mem- 
brane are  secondary  manifestations,  or  whether  the  disease  begins  by 
local  infection,  from  which  point  the  poison  is  taken  into  the  system  and 
the  whole  organization  becomes  contaminated. 

It  is  generally  accepted  that  the  germ  of  the  disease  first  fixes  itself  upon 
a  certain  part  of  the  body,  more  often  the  mucous  membrane,  and  there 
at  its  point  of  attachment  it  excites  a  local  affection,  then  through  absorp- 
tion the  poison  penetrates  the  tissues  and  is  soon  carried  throughout  the 
whole  body. 

Diphtheria  is  an  epidemic  disease,  and  like  all  others  has  an  especial 
cause,  a  contagious  virus  or  infectious  miasm.  Certain  conditions  favor 
the  propagation  of  the  disease ;  impure  air  and  poisonous  exhalations 
from  decomposing  filth  are  important  factors  in  its  production.  Among 
the  reported  cases  of  the  disease  among  dogs,  it  is  observed  that  the  onset 
in  some  was  marked  by  great  febrile  disturbance ;  in  others  the  constitu- 
tional symptoms  were  less  severe.  In  the  larger  proportion  the  disease 
attacked  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  throat,  and  more  rarely  were  the 
nasal  passages  first  involved.  In  the  former  the  throat  presented  a  dark 
red,  swollen,  glistening  appearance ;  the  glands  of  the  neck  being  en- 
larged and  tender,  and  swallowing  difficult.  In  some  instances  ulcers 
were  seen  on  the  tonsils. 

When  the  disease  assumed  a  concealed  or  nasal  form,  it  manifested 
itself  by  general  depression,  fever  of  a  low  type,  and  a  thin,  reddish, 
Offensive  discharge  from  the  nose.    The  glands  of  the  neck  were  swollen 


J 90  GENERAL  DISEASES. 

in  these  as  in  the  other  cases.  Where  the  disease  has  appeared  it  has  gen- 
erally proved  fatal.  When  recovery  took  place,  in  some  loss  of  sight,  in 
others  paralysis  and  chorea  followed. 

Cases  are  on  record  where  diphtheria  has  been  without  doubt  transmitted 
from  man  to  dogs ;  this  fact,  strongly  evincing  that  the  disease  is  analo- 
gous in  both,  is  important  in  considering  treatment. 

If  the  deeper  air  passages  become  involved  as  shown  by  harsh,  croupy, 
spasmodic  breathing,  the  case  may  be  considered  hopeless.  If  the  disease 
takes  on  the  concealed  or  nasal  type  the  nose  must  be  frequently  syringed 
with  lime  water  or  carbolic  acid  solution;  two  grains  to  an  ounce  of  water. 
An  application  of  diy  powdered  sulphur,  blown  into  the  throat  through  a 
tube  or  by  means  of  a  small  bellows,  is  advised.  This  operation  should 
be  performed  every  half  hour  if  possible.  For  internal  treatment  referable 
to  the  congestion  of  the  mucous  membrane,  chlorate  of  potassa  should  be 
given.  An  ounce  may  be  added  to  a  pint  of  water,  and  of  this  solution 
two  or  three  teaspoonfuls  can  be  given  every  hour.  Beef  tea,  raw  eggs, 
milk,  and  brandy  should  be  forced  into  the  animal  at  frequent  intervals, 
to  sustain  the  vital  powers. 


<RHEUMaTISM. 

Rheumatism  not  infrequently  attacks  dogs  and  manifests  itself  in  much 
the  same  manner  in  them  as  in  man.  The  disease  may  take  on  an  acute 
or  chronic  form ;  the  same  morbid  principle  is  supposed  to  give  rise  to 
both,  but  in  the  latter  it  is  present  in  a  lesser  degree. 

Causation. — The  causes  of  rheumatism  have  never  been  fully  deter- 
mined. It  has  been  commonly  attributed  to  exposure  to  cold  and  damp ; 
influenced  largely  by  the  seasons  of  the  year,  etc.  That  these  agencies 
alone  are  incapable  of  producing  the  disease  is  generally  accepted.  A 
morbid  peculiarity  of  the  constitution,  a  special  predisposition  seems  to 
be  requisite  for  the  causation.  When  this  susceptibility  to  the  disease 
exists  then  exposure  doubtless  acts  as  an  exciting  cause. 

Symptoms .  —In  acute  rheumatism  fever  is  always  present,  the  skin  is 
hot,  the  appetite  lessened,  the  thirst  great,  the  pulse  rapid,  the  animal 
restless,  movements  difficult  and  painful.  The  tongue  is  generally  coated, 
the  breath  offensive,  the  respiration  quickened,  and  constipation  more 
often  exists. 

The  essentiality  of  the  disease  consists  in  a  swelling  of  the  various 
joints.  Touching,  and  still  more  the  movements  ofthe  affected  parts  are 
extremely  painful,  and  the  animal  with  an  expression  of  the  utmost  anxi- 
ety, will  guard  over  and  seem  to  protest  against  an  examination.     The 


GENERAL  DISEASES.  191 

affected  parts  are  hot  and  swollen.  Rarely  are  several  joints  attacked  at 
the  same  time;  usually  the  disease  partially  runs  its  course  in  one  before 
another  is  involved. 

When  recovery  takes  place  the  swellings  of  the  joints  disappear  without 
leaving  any  traces  of  the  disease  behind  them;  in  some  instances  a  slight 
weakness  and  painfulness  will  for  a  time  linger  as  an  evidence  of  the  pre- 
vious existence  of  the  malady. 

Treatment, — To  place  an  animal  suffering  from  the  disease  in  warm, 
dry  quarters,  is  the  first  important  step  to  take.    The  painful  joints  should 
be  enveloped  in  cotton  batting ;  the  bowels  opened  by  the  syrup  of  buck- 
thorn ;  a  bland  unstimulating  diet  allowed,  and  the  following  given.— 
R    Sodii  Salicylates        3  i j 
Aquae  g  iij 

Ft.  Mist.    Sig.  Dose  one  teaspoonful. 

This  mixture  should  be  administered  eveiy  two  hours,  in  a  little  milk, 
untiLimprovement  is  observed,  then  at  longer  intervals  to  complete  re- 
covery. The  tendency  of  the  disease  to  relapse  should  not  be  forgotten, 
and  during  the  convalescent  stage  exposure  should  be  carefully  guarded 
against. 

Chronic  rheumatism  rarely  follows  as  a  result  of  the  acute  form.  The 
general  symptoms  are  stiffness,  some  pain  of  no  great  intensity,  tender- 
ness comparatively  slight,  swelling  of  the  joints,  little  or  no  fever.  The 
constitutional  disturbance  is  trifling  if  any,  the  appetite  remains  good,  the 
different  functions  of  the  body  are  nearly  normal,  and  nutrition  is  unaf- 
fected. Radical  changes  in  the  weather  are  generally  followed  by  more 
acute  symptoms  in  the  affected  joints. 

Local  treatment  in  chronic  rheumatism  is  important,  and  benefit  may  be 
anticipated  from  the  use  of  the  tincture  of  iodine  or  blistering  the  joints 
involved.  Measures  having  reference  to  improving  the  general  health 
and  the  tone  of  the  system  are  essential,  and  embrace  tonic  remedies,  nu- 
tritious diet,  exercise,  etc. 

The  iodide  of  potassium  is  a  valuable  remedy  in  many  cases,  and  may 
be  given  in  three  or  four  grain  doses,  two  or  three  times  daily.  If  an  iron 
tonic  is  indicated  the  syrup  of  the  iodide  can  be  substituted;  dose  fifteen 
drops  three  times  a  day  with  the  food. 


Lumbago. 


This  affection  is  a  form  of  the  so-called  muscular  rheumatism,  and  differs 
essentially  from  that  disease  which  attacks  the  joints.  The  muscles  of  the 
loins  are  the  seat  of  the  disturbance,  and  the  animal's  movements  are 


192  GENERAL  DISEASES. 

stiff  and  painful;  he  stands  with  back  arched,  and  when  he  walks  his 
limbs  are  dragged  as  though  partially  paralyzed.  In  certain  positions  he 
suffers  hut  little  excepting  an  occasional  cramp-like  twinge,  which  is 
sometimes  very  severe  and  elicits  a  sharp  outcry.  While  the  parts  affected 
are  sensitive,  firm  pressure  will  be  borne  and  seem  to  afford  relief. 

There  are  few  or  no  constitutional  symptoms,  slight  if  any  fever,  and 
the  appetite  is  rarely  impaired.  Aside  from  the  tenderness  there  are  no 
local  signs,  such  as  heat,  swelling,  and  redness.  In  chest-founder  or 
kennel-lameness  the  affection  exists  in  the  muscles  of  the  shoulders  and 
forelegs.  The  disease  may  appear  either  in  the  acute  or  chronic  form; 
the  duration  of  the  former  varies  from  a  few  hours  to  several  weeks.  The 
chronic  form  is  obstinate,  and  persists  usually  for  months.  Exposure  to 
cold  and  damp  is  an  important  factor  in  the  causation  of  this  form  of 
rheumatism. 

The  local  treatment  consists  of  soothing  applications  in  the  acute  form, 
and  blisters  or  stimulating  liniments  in  the  chronic.  Measures  to  improve 
the  general  health  are  important,  and  iron  and  other  tonics  are  to  be  given 
if  the  condition  of  the  animal  suggests  their  need. 


Eruptive  Fevers. 

Cases  of  small  pox  and  measles  occuring  among  dogs  are  on  record,  and 
the  symptoms  of  the  former  malady  are  given  at  length  by  some  authors. 
In  the  one  reported  case  of  measles  it  was  stated :  "  A  dog  licked  the  hand 
of  a  child  lying  in  bed,  and  on  whom  the  measles  eruption  was  at  its 
height.  Twelve  days  later  the  dog  sickened  and  suffered  for  two  days 
with  nasal  discharge;  and  four  days  later  died,  with  marked  congestion  of 
the  throat  and  air-passages." 

Mr.  Fleming  in  the  Veterinary  Science  thus  discusses  small  pox:  "This 
is  a  rare  malady,  and  maybe  developed  directly  or  by  contagion;  it  is 
supposed  to  be  also  pi-oduced  by  the  variola  of  man  and  of  the  sheep.  It 
chiefly  affects  young  dogs,  although  old  animals  are  not  exempt.  One 
attack  ensures  immunity  for  the  remainder  of  the  dog's  life. 

"  Symptoms .  — The  disease  commences  with  fever,  which  continues  for 
two  or  three  days,  and  is  followed  by  the  appearance — over  a  large  surface 
of  the  body,  though  rarely  on  the  back  and  sides  of  the  trunk — of  red 
points,  resembling  flea-bites,  which  are  quickly  transformed  into  nodules, 
and  then  into  vesicles.  The  contents  of  these  become  purulent,  and  finally 
dry  into  a  crust,  whose  shedding  leaves  a  naked  cicatrix. 

"  In  the  dog,  as  in  the  sheep  and  pig,  there  are  different  forms  of  the 
disease,  and  it  is  benignant  or  malignant  accordingly.    Puppies  nearly 


GENERAL  DISEASES.  '   193 

always  succumb,  and,  on  a  necroscopical  examination,  it  is  not  unusual 
to  find  various  pustules  on  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  respiratory  and 
digestive  organs. 

"  Sanitary  Measures.  —  The  disease  being  contagious,  though  the  virus 
does  not  appear  to  be  very  volatile,  it  is  necessary  to  isolate  the  sick,  and 
take  due  precautions  that  the  contagion  is  not  carried  from  them  to 
healthy  animals. 

"  Curative  Measures.—  Careful  dieting,  a  dry  and  moderately  warm 
dwelling,  cleanliness,  and  abundance  of  fresh  air  are  the  essentials  in  the 
curative  treatment. 

"  An  emetic  in  the  early  stage  of  the  malady  has  been  recommended  as 
likely  to  be  useful.  Afterward  the  treatment  must  be  purely  symptomatic." 


D<RO<PSY. 

Dropsy,  a  morbid  serous  transudation  into  any  of  the  cavities,  is 
never  a  primary  affection  but  only  a  symptom,  a  sequel  of  many  chronic 
diseases,  particularly  those  of  the  liver.  Dropsies  are  not  to  be  con- 
founded with  effusions;  the  former  is  not  the  result  of  inflammation,  and 
the  morbid  condition  on  which  it  depends  is  situated  elsewhei'e;  the 
serous  membrane  in  which  it  occurs  being  free  from  disease.  Liquid 
effusions  are  exudations  involving  generally  if  not  always  inflammation. 

Dropsies  receive  different  names  according  to  their  situations;  when 
located  in  serous  cavities,  they  are  designated  by  prefixing  hydro  to  the 
name  of  the  membrane.  Dropsy  within  the  head  is  called  hydrocephalus ; 
hydrothorax,  when  within  the  chest;  ascites,  when  within  the  abdominal 
cavity.  The  latter  is  the  most  frequent  form  seen  in  dogs,  and  deserves 
especial  consideration;  the  others  being  of  less  practical  importance. 

Symptoms.—  The  enlargement  first  directs  attention  to  the  abdomen, 
which  becomes  equably  large  and  fluctuating,  not  filling  at  one  part  more 
than  another;  the  accumulation  of  liquid  taking  place  without  pain  or 
tenderness.  The  fluid  usually  forms  rapidly,  and  the  distension  soon  occa- 
sions disturbances  of  the  internal  organs  by  compression.  The  appetite 
becomes  impaired,  vomitingis  an  occasional  symptom,  the  urine  is  scanty, 
respiration  is  embarrassed,  the  pulse  more  rapid  and  feeble;  constipation 
may  alternate  with  diarrhoea,  and  pressure  on  the  veins  give  rise  to  dropsy 
of  the  lower  limbs.  In  the  progress  of  the  affection  emaciation  becomes 
marked,  the  lips,  tongue,  and  gums  pallid,  the  pulse  thin  and  thready,  the 
breathing  more  hurried,  threatening  suffocation ;  the  animal  can  no  longer 
lie  down ;  death  finally  occurs  from  exhaustion  or  obstructed  respiration. 
Diagnosis.  — The  diagnosis  of  ascites  can  generally  be  made  without 


194  GENERAL  DISEASES. 

difficulty.  Blaine  says:  "Dropsy  of  the  belly  may  be  distinguished  from 
fat  by  the  particular  tumor  that  the  belly  forms,  which  in  dropsy  hangs 
down,  while  the  backbone  sticks  up,  and  the  hips  appear  prominent 
through  the  skin ;  the  hair  stares  also,  and  the  coat  is  peculiarly  harsh.  It 
may  be  distinguished  from  being  in  pup  by  the  teats,  which  always  enlarge 
as  the  belly  enlarges  in  pregnancy;  but  more  particularly  it  may  be  dis- 
tinguished by  the  undulation  of  the  water  in  the  belly,  whereas  in  preg- 
nancy there  is  no  undulation.  The  impregnated  belly,  however  full,  has 
not  that  high  tense  feel  nor  shining  appearance  observed  in  dropsy.  There 
may  be  also  inequalities  distinguished  in  it,  which  are  the  puppies,  and, 
when  the  pregnancy  is  at  all  advanced,  the  young  may  be  felt  to  move. 
The  most  unequivocal  mode  however,  of  detecting  the  presence  of  water 
is  by  the  touch.  If  the  right  hand  is  laid  on  one  side  of  the  belly,  and  with 
the  left  hand  the  other  side  is  tapped,  an  undulating  motion  will  be  per- 
ceived, exactly  similar  to  what  would  be  felt  by  placing  one  hand  on  a 
bladder  of  water,  and  striking  it  with  the  other." 

Prognosis. — The  diseased  conditions  on  which  dropsy  is  dependent 
are  generally  incurable ;  under  treatment  improvement  for  a  time  in  many 
cases  occurs  and  the  ascites  disappears  but  soon  returns,  and  death  ulti- 
mately results. 

Treatment.  —  The  purpose  of  treatment  is  to  remove  the  dropsy,  and 
improve  the  morbid  conditions  on  which  it  depends.  To  accomplish  the 
first  the  diet  should  be  milk  only,  and  cathartics  must  be  relied  upon. 
One-sixteenth  of  a  grain  of  Clutterbuck's  elaterium  should  be  given  every 
two  or  three  hours,  until  profuse  liquid  discharges  from  the  bowels  are 
produced.  Afterwards  the  doses  are  to  be  repeated  according  to  circum- 
stances. The  strength  of  the  animal  must  determine  how  far  the  cathartics 
should  be  pushed. 

As  the  dropsy  disappears  and  symptoms  of  suffocation  are  no  longer 
imminent,  the  tincture  of  the  chloride  of  iron  should  be  given  in  fifteen 
drop  doses,  well  diluted,  three  or  four  times  a  day.  A  more  generous  diet 
can  then  be  allowed,  and  other  measures,  calculated  to  improve  the  general 
strength  and  add  tone  to  the  system,  should  be  employed. 


Anaemia,  or  poverty  of  the  blood,  is  a  morbid  condition  occasionally 
observed  among  dogs.  The  best  illustration  of  the  affection  is  afforded  by 
profuse  hemorrhages.  The  causes  are  obvious  in  some  cases;  in  others 
they  are  not  assignable.  An  excess  of  starch  and  insufficient  fleshy  food, 
prolonged  suckling  of  young,  too  frequent  whelping,  deranged  digestion, 


GENERAL  DISEASES.  196 

damp,  ill-ventilated  kennels,  and  insufficient  exercise  are  among  the 
causes  productive  of  anaemia.  In  a  large  proportion  of  cases  the  affection 
is  associated  with  and  depends  upon  other  diseases  which  involve  an  ex- 
penditure of  blood  constituents. 

Symptoms.  —In  animals  affected  with  anaemia  the  mucous  membranes 
of  the  mouth,  gums,  and  lips  are  paled,  the  tongue  is  white  and  dry,  the 
temperature  lessened,  the  action  of  the  heart  feeble,  the  pulse  small  and 
weak,  the  muscular  strength  is  diminished  and  occasionally  there  is  but 
little  power  in  the  limbs.  Slight  exertion  induces  great  fatigue;  the  man- 
ner is  languid  and  spiritless;  the  secretions  from  the  bowels  .and  kidneys 
are  scanty.  There  is  a  deficiency  of  functional  energy  of  all  the  different 
organs  of  the  body. 

Treatment  —  The  first  objects  are  to  ascertain  and  remove  if  possible 
the  cause  or  causes  upon  which  anaemia  depends.  Associated  diseases 
call  for  especial  treatment  elsewhere  considered.  To  restore  the  normal 
constituents  of  the  blood,  a  nutritious  diet  consisting  largely  of  meat 
should  be  allowed;  to  stimulate  the  appetite  and  improve  digestion  by 
bitter  tonics,  such  as  quinine,  is  advisable.  Iron  is  a  special  remedy  in 
this  disease,  and  the  tincture  should  be  given  in  fifteen  drop  doses,  twice 
or  three  times  daily  with  the  food.  Pure  air  and  exercise  contribute 
largely  to  a  cure,  by  increasing  the  energy  of  the  organs  of  the  body  and 
renewing  the  general  strength. 


(Plethora. 

In  general  terms  the  morbid  effects  of  plethora  are  the  reverse  of  those 
due  to  anaemia.   The  causes  are  overfeeding  and  insufficient  exercise. 

Symptoms.—  A  plethoric  animal  has  a  full,  bloated,  congested  appear- 
ance; the  mucous  membranes  are  reddened;  the  heart's  action  is  more 
powerful,  the  pulse  being  full  and  strong;  a  feverish  tendency  exists,  and 
a  dull,  heavy,  sluggish  manner  is  characteristic.  In  this  condition  the 
brain  is  more  easily  excited  and  congested,  involving  a  liability  to  con- 
vulsions. 

Treatment.  —  Plain  unstimulating  food,  reasonable  in  quantity,  enforced 
exercise,  and  the  occasional  use  of  laxatives. 


OBESITY. 


Dogs  not  infrequently  become  fattened  to  a  morbid  degree,  and  when- 
ever it  exceeds  the  limits  of  health  it  may  appropriately  claim  treatment. 
Insufficient  exercise,  over-feeding,  and  an  excess  of  saccharine  and  starchy 


196  GENERAL  DISEASES. 

food  are  the  causes  assignable.    In  some  breeds  a  constitutional  fat  pro- 
ducing tendency  seems  to  exist. 

Treatment.  —Enforced  regular  exercise;  a  deprivation  of  sweets,  veg- 
etables, and  starchy  food ;  raw,  lean  beef,  in  a  reasonable  quantity  should 
be  the  principle  article  of  diet. 


(Rickets. 

Rickets  is  a  peculiar  unhealthy  condition  of  the  whole  body.  This  disor- 
der is  quite  common  among  young  dogs,  and  more  especially  the  larger 
breeds. 

Causation.  — Debilitated  or  rachitic  sire  or  dam  may  transmit  a  taint 
to  their  offspring,  or  it  may  arise  from  improper  feeding,  lack  of  sunlight, 
impure  air,  close  confinement,  and  impaired  nutrition.  In  some  instan- 
ces it  is  developed  rapidly  after  other  diseases,  which  have  left  the  system 
in  a  state  of  debility. 

Symptoms .  — To  correctly  comprehend  the  changes  in  rickets  it  is  nec- 
essary to  briefly  consider  the  physiological  growth  of  bone.  Every  tubu- 
lar bone  grows  in  length  and  thickness;  in  length  by  the  deposit  of  new 
layers  of  cartilage-cells,  in  which  limy  salts  are  then  deposited.  It  grows 
in  thickness  by  the  addition  of  new  layers  of  bony  substances  immedi- 
ately beneath  the  covering  of  the  bone.  As  the  growth  in  thickness  is 
much  more  insignificant,  and  progresses  slower  than  in  length,  the  dis- 
turbances of  the  physiological  growth  at  the  cartilaginous  ends  are  more 
marked  and  liable  to  occur.  "While  the  bone  is  enlarging  externally  by 
new  formation,  absorption  takes  place  in  the  centre.  In  rickets  this  ab- 
sorption goes  on,  but  prompt  ossification  is  suspended  or  but  imperfectly 
performed. 

No  bone  affected  by  this  disease  retains  its  normal  form.  The  angles 
become  rounded ;  the  long  or  tubular  bones  cease  to  grow  in  length;  the 
ends  swell  and  become  bulbous.  The  weight  of  the  body  causes  the  bones 
of  the  fore-legs  especially  to  bend,  and  permanent  angular  deformity 
results.  The  bones  of  the  head  seem  to  grow  at  the  expense  of  the  body, 
and  it  appears  swollen  and  ill-shaped. 

The  coat  is  rough  and  staring;  the  gums  and  lips  pallid;  the  muscles 
flabby;  the  general  appearance  of  a  rachitic  animal  is  unhealthy,  stunted, 
and  unsightly.  Digestion  may  remain  undisturbed,  but  occasionally  diar- 
rhoea supervenes;  then  the  disease  becomes  materially  aggravated. 

Treatment.  —Pure  fresh  air,  sunlight,  and  dry,  well  ventilated  kennels 
are  absolutely  necessary.  Lime  water  should  be  given  freely  with  the 
food,  which  ought  to  be  generous  and  nutritious.     Cod  liver  oil  is  the  one 


GENERAL  DISEASES.  197 

important  medicinal  remedy  to  depend  upon,  although  iron  and  quinine 
can  be  added  to  the  treatment  if  their  need  is  indicated. 

In  large  breeds  there  is  a  liability  to  deformity  which  might  be  easily 
mistaken  for  rickets.  It  results  from  confinement  and  over-feeding,  the 
body  becoming  too  large,  and  too  heavy  for  the  legs  to  sustain.  In  such 
cases  the  quantity  of  food  should  be  lessened,  and  by  regulated  exercise 
the  weaker  parts  strengthened. 


Scrofula. 

Scrofula  is  a  constitutional  and  specific  malady,  involving  the  glandular 
system ;  a  general  debility,  with  a  tendency  to  indolent  inflammatory  and 
ulcerative  diseases.    Its  occurrence  is  not  uncommon  among  dogs. 

Causation.  —  Scrofula  may  be  hereditary;  if  not  it  can  be  created  by 
influences  capable  of  lowering  the  vital  energies;  by  improper  food  or 
suffering  hunger;  by  general  neglect,  lack  of  exercise,  cold,  damp  kennels, 
and  want  of  pure  air  and  sunlight. 

The  disease  may  appear  after  other  diseases  have  for  a  time  existed  and 
depressed  the  general  health  and  impoverished  the  system. 

Symptoms.  —When  the  scrofulous  constitution  exists,  the  functions  are 
but  irregularly  performed.  Digestion  is  impaired;  the  appetite  is  capri- 
cious; the  mucous  membranes  pale  and  flabby;  the  bowels  constipated; 
the  coat  dry  and  staring,  and  the  abdomen  distended. 

In  certain  cases  the  disease  may  exist,  remain  hidden  as  it  were,  await- 
ing some  unusual  cause  to  excite  its  development;  puppies  so  affected 
grow  rapidly,  and  show  in  outward  form  but  little  evidence  of  the  taint. 
In  other  cases  the  growth  is  stunted,  the  joints  large,  legs  bent,  head  ill- 
shapen,  and  the  animal  is  in  general  appearance  an  unsightly  object.  As 
the  symptoms  of  scrofula  become  prominent  emaciation  is  usually  rapid, 
the  muscles  weak  and  flabby. 

Treatment. — The  indications  are  first  to  correct  abuses.  The  food 
should  be  nutritious  and  abundant,  consisting  largely  of  meat.  Free  exer- 
cise in  the  open  air  and  sunlight,  and  dry,  well  ventilated  kennels  are 
indispensable.  Perfect  cleanliness  and  frequent  bathing  are  of  great  im- 
portance. 

Among  the  medicinal  remedies  cod  liver  oil  takes  precedence.  If  the 
appetite  needs  stimulating  quinine  is  indicated.  When  the  mucous  mem- 
branes by  pallor  show  a  poverty  of  the  blood,  iron  should  be  given  for  a 
long  time. 

Animals  which  have  ever  exhibited  the  symptoms  of  a  scrofulous  taint, 
should  never  bo  used  for  breeding  purposes.  Failure  to  transmit  the  dis- 
ease to  their  young  is  exceptional. 


198  GENERAL  DISEASES. 

ManasMus. 

The  meaning  of  the  word  marasmus  is  atrophy ;  wasting  of  the  flesh , 
emaciation.  It  is  properly  a  disease  of  the  mesenteric  glands  and  the  fol- 
licles of  the  intestines;  the  latter  inflame,  adhere  together,  and  ulcerate. 

Symptoms .  —  Emaciation,  nose  dry  and  hot,  abdomen  swollen  and  hard, 
eyes  reddened  and  watery,  skin  dry  and  harsh,  coat  staring,  the  breath 
foul,  thirst  great,  and  appetite  voracious.  Bowels  at  times  constipated, 
the  discharges  clay-colored  and  offensive ;  occasionally  diarrhoea  exists. 

Treatment.— The  diet  should  consist  largely  of  meat  given  in  small 
quantities  and  at  short  intervals. 

Cod  liver  oil  and  iron  are  indicated,  and  should  be  given  cautiously  at 
first. 

Pure  air,  sunlight,  and  exercise  are  important  factors  to  aid  in  restoring 
the  integrity  of  the  system. 


CHAPTER    XVI. 


SU&GICtiL    AFFECTIONS. 


A  wound  is  a  separation  of  continuous  parts  by  violence.  It  is  of  practi- 
cal importance  to  consider  four  varieties :  —  incised,  punctured,  lacerated, 
contused. 

The  incised  wounds,  made  by  clean-cutting  instruments,  are  usually 
produced  with  the  least  violence,  and  generally  the  most  easily  repaired. 
The  punctured,  those  made  by  instruments  of  greater  length  than  breadth, 
including  stabs  etc.,  are  dangerous  from  their  depth,  and  from  the  possi- 
bility of  hemorrhage  and  injury  to  the  internal  organs;  abscesses  are 
liable  to  follow  deep  wounds.  In  the  lacerated,  the  parts  are  torn,  and  the 
contused  are  effected  by  bruising;  these  wounds  are  commonly  produced 
by  greater  violence,  heal  more  slowly  and  invite  the  formation  of  pus; 
they  generally  bleed  less  than  the  incised  or  punctured,  because  arteries 
when  torn,  contract  and  close  more  than  when  cut. 

Treatment.  — The  indications  in  the  treatment  of  wounds  are  to  check 
bleeding;  remove  foreign  bodies;  brjng  the  divided  parts  together,  and 
secure  them  in  a  natural  position ;  to  promote  healing.  Pressure  and  the 
application  of  cold  will  generally  suffice  to  control  hemorrhage,  unless  an 
artery  of  considerable  size  is  wounded,  in  which  case  if  it  persists  in 
bleeding,  a  surgeon  should  be  called  to  ligate. 

Foreign  bodies  can  be  removed  by  the  fingers  or  forceps,  and  dirt,  gravel, 
etc.  washed  away.  If  the  wound  gaps  open  the  edges  should  be  brought 
together  and  held  by  sutures,  for  which  silk  is  prefex*red. 

When  a  dog  has  been  wounded  and  stitching  is  necessary,  one  must  not 
shrink  fx-om  the  duty  through  fear  of  violence;  rarely  will  any  be  encoun- 
tered, for  the  noble  brutes  possessed  of  a  human  intelligence  are  conscious 
that  a  kind  hand  inflicts  the  pain  to  repair  their  injury,  and  they  undergo 
the  operation  with  a  fortitude  which  excites  wonder  and  admiration.  In 
all  extensive  wounds  stitches  should  be  introduced  with  an  interval  of  a 
half  an  inch  between  them,  entering  the  skin  well  back  from  the  edges  to 


200  SURGICAL  AFFECTIONS. 

prevent  their  tearing  out.  After  the  operation  several  thicknesses  of  anti- 
septic gauze,  if  that  can  be  obtained,  should  be  bound  over  the  injured 
parts,  and  left  undisturbed  for  three  or  four  days,  at  the  end  of  which  time 
the  stitches  can  be  removed  and  the  wound  again  dressed  as  before.  When 
the  antiseptic  gauze  is  unattainable,  a  compress  of  linen  should  be  ap- 
plied and  kept  damp  with  a  solution  of  carbolic  acid,  two  drachms  to  a 
pint  of  water. 

In  the  treatment  of  extensive  and  deep  punctured  wounds  as  in  stabs,  it 
is  to  be  remembered  that  the  cut  in  the  skin  is  liable  to  unite,  and  thus  by- 
confining  the  discharge  give  rise  to  deep-seated  abscesses.  To  prevent 
this  a  small  drainage  tube  can  be  introduced,  and  left  in  the  wound  for 
two  or  three  days  and  then  removed  permanently,  or  after  being  cleaned 
and  disinfected  be  again  returned,  and  shortened  from  time  to  time  as 
the  healing  from  the  bottom  progresses.  A  dressing  of  the  antiseptic 
gauze  should  be  kept  lightly  and  constantly  applied.  When  the  proper 
tubing  cannot  be  secured,  a  cord  made  of  several  strands  of  ligature  silk 
can  be  substituted.  In  smaller  punctured  wounds  it  is  wise  to  bandage 
them  with  some  degree  of  firmness,  and  keep  the  parts  at  rest  as  much  as 
possible;  then  if  pain,  heat,  and  swelling  follow,  an  abscess  has  resulted; 
an  incision  should  be  made  and  poultices  applied. 

Lacerated  wounds  are  to  be  dressed  antiseptically,  and  treated  much 
the  same  as  incise'd  wounds  after  being  stitched.  Those  from  bites  should 
be  first  freely  cauterized. 

Contused  wounds  if  superficial  and  deserving  of  treatment,  generally 
do  well  under  cold  applications.  When  the  deeper  tissues  are  severely 
injured  and  the  vitality  of  a  portion  is  destroyed  and  must  separate 
from  the  healthy  flesh,  poultices  should  be  applied  to  hasten  the  slough- 
ing process  and  be  persisted  in  until  the  wound  is  clean  and  healthy,  after 
which  it  can  be  treated  as  an  ulcer,  the  oxide  of  zinc  ointment  being 
appropriate  Old,  indolent,  suppurating  wounds  which  heal  slowly  need 
stimulating  occasionally;  for  which  purpose  caustic  can  be  used,  not  ex- 
tensively but  simply  touched  here  and  there  over  the  entire  sore. 

When  deep  wounds  or  abscesses  have  not  been  thoroughly  healed  from 
the  bottom  through  a  defect  in  bandaging,  or  in  providing  proper  outlets 
for  the  discharge,  a  fistula  results.  This  is  a  narrow  canal  opening  on  the 
surface  and  leading  to  the  suppurating  cavity. 

The  treatment  is  to  enlarge  the  opening;  keep  it  open  and  syringe  out 
the  cavity  with  a  strong  solution  of  the  nitrate  of  silver,  grains  thirty  to 
water  an  ounce. 

An  inflammation  called  cellulitis,  resembling  much  erysipelas,  is  easily 
excited  in  wounds  in  dogs.  Where  it  occurs  pus  forms  very  quickly,  and 
tends  to  burrow  rather  than  seek  the  surface  and  open. 


SURGICAL  AFFECTIONS.  201 

Umbilical  Hernia. 

Umbilical  hernia  is  a  rupture,  or  unnatural  protrusion  of  the  viscera  at 
the  navel.  The  affection  is  more  common  among  puppies,  but  may  appear 
at  any  period  of  life.  When  occurring  in  older  dogs  it  is  more  often  met 
with  in  bitches,  resulting  from  large  litters  and  frequent  pregnancies. 

Various  methods  of  treatment  have  been  suggested,  but  bandages  and 
other  attachments  cannot  be  depended  upon,  and  a  surgical  operation 
alone  promises  certain  success. 

Mr.  Lowe  has  proposed  a  method  to  produce  a  radical  cure  of  this  affec- 
tion, which  is  commended  as  simple,  comparatively  safe,  and  easy  to 
perform.    He  describes  the  operation  as  follows  :— 

"  The  instruments  absolutely  needed  are  a  thin,  clean,  sharp  knife,  a 
curved  surgeon's  needle  and  silk;  also,  a  little  iodoform,  and  some  carbo- 
lized  water.  The  two  latter  act  as  antiseptics,  and  fill  the  places  of  the 
carbolic  spray  fairly  well.  After  the  patient  has  been  thoroughly  etherized, 
wet  the  fingers,  knife,  and  needle  in  the  carbolized  water,  and  make  a  lon- 
gitudinal cut  through  the  skin  down  to  the  sac,  but  do  not  injure  it.  Then 
push  back  the  parts,  and  with  the  knife  freshen  the  edges  of  the  muscle; 
now  after  taking  two  stitches  (more  if  the  opening  is  huge)  directly  over 
the  sac,  draw  the  edges  together,  and  cut  the  silk  close ;  sprinkle  in  a  little 
iodoform,  draw  the  skin  together  with  a  stitch  or  two,  and  the  work  is 
done.  If  the  puppies  are  as  vigorous  as  those  I  have  operated  upon,  it 
will  probably  be  found  next  morning  that  the  external  stitches  are  out, 
and  also  the  skin  so  swollen  that  the  little  fellow  has  been  unable  to  reach 
the  deep  stitches,  the  all  important  point. 

"  Keep  the  puppy  in  a  warm,  clean  place,  but  if  any  dirt  should  get  in 
wash  it  out  with  warm  water  and  castile  soap,  and  sprinkle  on  a  little 
more  iodoform. 

"  But  now  about  the  deep  stitches  which  have  been  allowed  to  remain  in 
the  muscle.  Let  them  alone,  for  they  cause  no  trouble  as  they  become  in- 
cysted.  In  two  weeks  the  cure  should  be  complete,  and  no  scar,  or  at 
least,  a  very  trifling  one  remains." 


S<Pft£IJYS. 

Sprains  are  of  frequent  occurrence  among  dogs,  and  often  demand  care- 
ful treatment.  When  severe  they  are  attended  with  acute  pain,  heat,  and 
swelling;  with  subsequent  weakness  and  stiffness.  When  a  large  joint  is 
affected  there  is  often  considerable  constitutional  disturbance,  fever, 
rapid  pulse,  etc. 


202  SURGICAL  AFFECTIONS. 

Perfect  rest  to  the  affected  limb  is  the  most  essential  measure,  and  if 
possible  a  splint  should  be  used  in  its  support.  During  the  inflammatory 
stage  cold  water  is  the  best  application;  the  bandages  being  kept  con- 
stantly wet.  After  the  inflammation  has  subsided,  the  swelling  may  be 
reduced  by  slightly  tightening  the  bandage,  using  uniform  firmness  and 
pressure. 

If  stiffness  is  not  rapidly  recovered  from  after  exercise  is  allowed,  stim 
ulating  liniments  are  to  be  used.  It  matters  but  little  which  is  selected,  as 
the  efficacy  of  all  depend  almost  entirely  upon  the  hand-rubbing  employed 
in  their  application;  one  part  to  three  of  the  liniments  ammonia  and 
camphora  make  a  good  preparation. 


BVftJYS  AND  SCAL<DS. 

Extensive  burns  are  always  serious  even  if  but  superficial.  The  severe 
pain  is  exhausting;  the  internal  organs  are  liable  to  become  affected,  and 
the  healing  stage  is  long  and  debilitating.  It  is  important  that  some  re- 
lieving application  be  made  as  soon  as  possible  to  a  burned  or  scalded 
part,  and  for  a  short  time  at  least  domestic  remedies  must  be  relied  upon. 
Among  them  a  solution  of  common  baking-soda  is  most  effectual  in  re- 
lieving the  acute  pain ;  when  the  burn  is  only  superficial  or  not  severe  it 
will  remove  it  entirely  in  a  very  short  time.  It  has  the  advantage  of  clean- 
liness, is  always  at  hand,  and  if  applied  at  once  it  will  in  a  great  measure 
prevent  blistering,  and  the  destructive  changes  in  the  skin.  All  that  is 
necessary  is  to  cover  the  injured  parts  with  a  thin  cotton  or  linen  cloth, 
and  keep  it  constantly  wetted  with  the  soda  lotion  to  prevent  its  drying. 
The  relief  felt  from  this  application  is  immediate,  and  in  many  cases  the 
acute  pain  subsides  in  less  than  half  an  hour.  This  solution  may  be  per- 
sisted in  for  two  or  three  days,  and  then  the  oxide  of  zinc  ointment  can 
be  substituted. 

If  the  injury  is  a  severe  one,  and  large  blisters  are  formed,  it  will  be 
well  to  use  the  soda  until  "  carron  oil "  can  be  prepared ;  this  is  a  liniment 
of  equal  parts  of  linseed  oil  and  lime  water;  a  very  offensive  preparation 
but  highly  effective.  When  obtained,  the  blisters  should  be  pricked  with 
a  needle,  and  the  whole  part  covered  with  a  linen  cloth  soaked  in  the  oil ; 
then  wrapped  in  soft  cotton  wool,  to  preserve  the  injured  skin  from  the 
air,  from  cold,  and  to  smother  the  bad  odor.  After  the  second  day  this 
covering  may  be  removed,  poultices  of  bread  and  water  applied,  and  per- 1 
sisted  in  until  suppuration  is  established;  after  which  the  oxide  of  zinc 
ointment  may  be  employed  until  a  cure  is  completed. 
The  strength  of  the  injm-ed  animal  must  always  be  sustained  by  nutri- 


SURGICAL  AFFECTIONS,  203 

tious  diet,  and  if  need  be  stimulants. 

If  the  burn  is  deep  and  much  of  the  epithelial  tissue  and  the  hair-folli- 
cles destroyed,  permanent  disfigurement  will  result. 


F<RacTU<RES  &n<d  (Dislocations. 

The  subject  of  fractures  and  dislocations  is  one  which  could  with  pro- 
priety be  omitted  from  this  work ;  for  to  those  only  who  have  made  the 
anatomy  of  the  dog  a  study,  and  who  are  perfectly  familiar  with  his  bony 
structure  can  an  exhaustive  treatise  on  the  subject  be  comprehensive. 

For  other  than  a  skilled  surgeon  to  attempt  the  treatment  of  a  fracture 
or  the  reduction  of  a  dislocation,  he  must  the  more  often  grope  about  in 
the  dark,  flounder  in  the  mire  of  uncertainty,  inhumanly  torture  his  help- 
less friend,  and  fail  entirely  in  his  purpose  to  repair  the  injury,  or  at  best 
leave  him  permanently  deformed.  For  this  reason  it  is  apparent  that  the 
discussion  of  the  procedures  of  treatment  is  not  only  useless  but  perni- 
cious, inviting  attempts  to  do  what  only  a  surgeon  should  undertake. 

To  know  when  a  fracture  or  dislocation  does  exist  is  important,  therefore 
diagnosis  and  a  brief  consideration  of  the  subject  generally  is  admis- 
sible. 

Fracture  is  said  to  be  simple,  when  there  is  no  wound  of  the  skin  com- 
municating with  the  broken  part ;  compound,  when  there  is  such  a  wound ; 
comminuted.when  the  bone  is  broken  in  several  fragments.  In  young 
animals  fracture  is  sometimes  partial,  part  only  of  the  fibres  breaking 
and  the  rest  bending;  to  such  the  name  green-stick  or  willow  fracture  is 
given.  The  long  bones  are  most  commonly  broken ;  but  any  other  may 
give  way  to  direct  violence. 

The  symptoms  of  fracture  are  deformity;  such  as  displacement,  bending, 
shortening,  or  twisting.  Unnatural  mobility ;  as  shown  by  grasping  the 
two  ends  of  a  broken  bone  and  moving  each  independently  of  the  other, 
or  the  yielding  of  a  part  on  pressure.  Crepitus;  a  grating  heard  or  felt 
when  the  broken  ends  are  rubbed  against  each  other. 

Of  these  three  signs  deformity  is  often  absent  in  fractures  of  the  ribs, 
pelvis,  and  shoulder  blade;  crepitus  is  prevented  when  the  broken  ends 
are  displaced,  and  can  only  be  felt  when  they  are  drawn  into  their  natural 
positions.  In  addition  to  these  symptoms  there  is  more  or  less  pain, 
swelling,  and  helplessness  of  the  injured  part.  Dislocations  are  charac- 
terized by  deformity  and  displacement.  The  external  appearance  of  the 
joint  is  changed,  the  prominence  disappears  or  moves  to  another  part, 
usually  leaving  a  depression  in  its  place.  A  dislocated  limb  may  be  longer 
or  shorter  than  the  normal,  according  as  the  head  of  the  bone  is  displaced 


204  SURGICAL  AFFECTIONS. 

upward  or  downward.  It  loses  its  mobility;  can  no  longer  be  moved 
about  freely  and  in  as  many  directions.  Movements  cause  pain,  and  some 
swelling  occurs. 

To  distinguish  between  fracture  and  dislocation  is  rarely  difficult ;  in  the 
latter  crepitus  is  absent,  the  bone  can  be  moved  less  freely  than  natural, 
while  in  fracture  mobility  is  increased.  If  a  broken  bone  is  drawn  into 
its  proper  shape  and  position  the  deformity  then  disappears,  but  returns 
as  soon  as  extension  is  discontinued;  when  a  dislocated  bone  is  drawn 
into  place  it  will  usually  remain  there. 

When  your  dog  has  been  injured,  and  the  symptoms  of  fracture  or  dis- 
location are  apparent  or  suspected,  seek  the  aid  of  a  surgeon  as  you  would 
do  had  an  accident  of  equal  severity  befallen  any  other  near  and  dear 
friend. 


CH&<PTE<R  XVII. 


SEXU&L  GENE<ft&TION. 


Ovulation. 

The  function  of  generation  is  dependent  upon  the  combined  action  of 
two  sets  of  organs,  in  each  of  which  a  peculiar  product  originates,  quali- 
fied for  union  with  the  other  so  as  to  produce  a  new  individual. 

Throughout  nature  this  primary  principle  exists;  the  essential  charac- 
ters of  the  organs  of  generation  in  the  different  classes  of  organized 
beings  are  universal.  A  study  of  botany  discloses  the  fundamental  law, 
modified  in  the  different  varieties.  In  the  lily,  violet,  etc.,  the  male  and 
female  organs  both  exist  upon  one  stalk.  In  some  cases,  separate  male 
and  female  flowers  are  found  on  the  same  plant;  in  others,  as  in  the  wil- 
low, poplar  and  hemp,  they  are  situated  on  different  growths,  which 
otherwise  resemble  each  other. 

In  animals  the  essential  parts  of  the  female  generative  system  are 
called  the  ovaries.  In  them  is  produced  the  germ  or  egg,  which  is  capa- 
ble of  being  developed  into  a  young  animal,  when  fecundated  or  made 
fruitful  by  a  substance  which  is  produced  in  the  testes  of  the  male. 

In  some  of  the  lower  animals  both  sets  of  generative  organs  exist  in  the 
same  individual.  In  them  the  ovaries  are  first  matured  and  perform  their 
functions,  after  which  the  male  organs  become  active.  Thus  they  are 
literally  first  female  and  afterwards  male,  exercising  their  appropriate 
actions  at  different  ages. 

In  all  the  higher  classes  of  animals  the  two  sets  of  generative  organs 
are  situated  in  separate  individuals,  dividing  the  species  into  two  sexes, 
the  male  and  female,  each  having  accessory  organs  which  give  rise  to  a 
greater  dissimilarity  in  their  anatomy. 

The  product  of  the  ovaries,  or  egg,  is  a  globular  body,  which  in  quadru- 


208  SEXUAL  GENERATION. 

peds  measures  about  one,  one  hundred  and  twentieth  of  an  inch  in 
diameter.  These  eggs  exist  primarily  in  the  organs  of  an  animal  as  a 
part  of  their  natural  organization.  Their  essential  constituents  are  of 
the  same  peculiar  qualities,  and  the  process  of  development  follows  the 
same  general  laws  in  all  nature.  In  the  lower  animals,  as  the  genera- 
tive season  draws  near,  a  certain  number  of  eggs,  which  were  previously 
but  partially  formed  and  inactive,  grow  larger  and  undergo  structural 
changes.  They  ripen,  as  it  were,  distending  the  follicles,  and  finally, 
when  fully  matured,  the  inclosing  walls  are  ruptured  and  they  are  dis- 
charged into  the  oviducts.  When  simply  expelled  from  the  ovary  and 
conveyed  through  the  oviducts  towards  the  external  genitals,  the  matured 
egg  soon  loses  its  vitality  and  becomes  decomposed.  It  is  not  of  itself 
capable  of  being  developed  into  the  embryo,  and  is  only  rendered  fruit- 
ful by  the  germ  of  the  opposite  sex.  When  the  seminal  fluid  of  the  male 
is  introduced  into  the  female  generative  passages  by  sexual  congress  and 
meets  the  egg  at  or  near  its  discharge  from  the  ovary,  it  causes  its  reten- 
tion, stimulates  it  to  continued  development,  and  renders  it  capable  of  a 
more  complete  organization. 


(ESTRUATION. 

The  ripening  and  discharge  of  the  egg  from  the  ovary  are  attended  by 
a  peculiar  state  of  the  entire  system  known  as  the  "rutting"  condition,  or 
cestruation.  The  congestion  and  increased  activity  of  the  ovaries,  at  each 
period  of  ovulation,  act  by  sympathy  upon  the  accessory  generative  or- 
gans, producing  in  them  a  certain  degree  of  excitement  and  irritation. 

In  the  bitch  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  vagina  and  external  genitals 
becomes  red  and  swollen,  the  secretions,  more  abundant,  are  first  tinged 
with  blood  and  acquire  a  peculiar  odor  which  attracts  the  dog  and  excites 
him  to  sexual  impulse.  The  discharge  deepens  in  color  and  finally  be- 
comes a  bright  red  and  of  the  appearance  of  clear  blood. 

The  amount  of  swelling  of  the  vulva  varies :  in  some  cases  it  is  very  per- 
ceptible, affecting  the  neighboring  tissues.  During  the  first  week  the 
swelling  is  hard  and  tense,  then  less  resisting  to  the  touch,  softening  as  it 
were.  In  the  second  week  the  discharge  subsides  somewhat,  becomes 
lighter  in  color  and  finally  colorless.  Generally  between  the  twelfth  and 
fourteenth  day  the  bitch  will  allow  the  approaches  of  the  dog. 

During  a  period  of  from  four  to  seven  days  this  disposition  continues, 
and  by  her  unusual  excitement  and  manner  she  invites  sexual  concourse. 


SEXUAL  GENERATION.  207 

The  local  and  general  symptoms  then  disappear  and  she  returns  to  her 
usual  condition. 

The  duration  of  "  cestruation  "  varies  not  only  in  different  breeds  but  in 
members  of  the  same  class.  Some  prominent  breeders  have  fixed  rules 
and  stated  days  in  the  "period"  upon  which  mating  is  allowed.  One 
breeder  identified  with  Irish  setters,  chooses  the  fourteenth  and  sixteenth 
clays,  others  admit  the  dog  earlier  and  but  few  later  than  eighteenth.  In 
exceptional  cases  a  bitch  will  invite  the  approaches  of  the  dog  on  the 
seventh  and  resist  him  after  the  tenth.  At  her  next  period  she  may  not 
be  "  in  condition  "  before  the  fourteenth  day. 

A  perfect  knowledge  of  their  brood  animals  enables  breeders  to  adopt 
individual  standards.  In  the  study  of  ovulation  the  fact  is  clearly  appa- 
rent that  no  fixed  rule  can  properly  be  adopted.  It  is  to  be  remembered 
that  nature  incites  the  females  of  the  lower  order  of  animals  to  allow  the 
approaches  of  the  male  just  when  the  egg  is  recently  discharged  from  the 
ovary  and  ready  for  impregnation.  At  other  times,  when  sexual  con- 
course  is  productive  of  no  good  effect,  the  instinct  of  the  animal  prompts 
her  to  avoid  it. 

While  no  fixed  rule  to  govern  breeders  is  admissible,  in  a  general  way 
it  may  be  stated  that  the  bitch  should  be  secluded  while  the  vulva  is 
swollen,  hard,  sensitive  to  pressure,  and  the  discharge  is  profuse  and  of 
a  bright  red  color.  As  the  swelling  is  reduced,  the  parts  "  soften  "  and 
the  discharge  subsides  or  becomes  nearly  colorless;  then  the  dog  should 
be  admitted.  The  manner  of  the  bitch  will  soon  show  whether  the  proper 
period  has  been  reached.  If  she  avoids  him,  bites  as  he  approaches,  or  in 
standing  presses  her  tail  closely  between  her  legs,  then  he  should  be  at 
once  removed.  Less  than  five  minutes  is  ordinarily  sufficient  to  demon- 
strate  whether  or  not  she  is  "ready,"  and  it  would  be  injudicious  for  a 
longer  time  to  annoy  her,  and  cruelty  to  worry  the  dog.  Each  day  the 
method  can  be  repeated  until  voluntary  intercourse  occurs.  Occca- 
sionally  will  be  found  a  bitch  which  by  her  sexual  excitement,  carrying  her 
tail  to  one  side  and  other  manifestations  when  the  dog  approaches,  show 
she  is  in  readiness  for  the  congress,  and  yet  will  prevent  its  consumma- 
tion by  springing  forward  or  otherwise  withdrawing  from  contact. 

In  such  a  case  she  must  be  securely  held  until  the  intercourse  is  com- 
pleted. This  step  should  not  be  delayed  until  the  dog  is  exhausted  by  his 
efforts,  but  taken  as  soon  as  the  need  is  apparent. 

In  large  breeds,  such  as  mastiffs,  two  will  be  necessary  to  hold  her 
firmly,  and  strong  men,  not  easily  fatigued,  will  be  needed.  If  the  bitch 
is  a  stranger]  and  her  disposition  as  to  gentleness  is  doubted,  it  will  be 
wise  to  muzzle  her. 

The  straps  about  the  nose  must  not  be  too  tightly  buckled;  be  merciful 


208  SEXUAL  GENERATION. 

and  show  greater  watchfulness.  The  muzzle  will  be  but  rarely  needed, 
the  noble  brutes  will  seldom  bite  their  owners  or  attendants,  even  when 
greatly  excited. 

To  securely  hold  a  large  bitch,  the  assistant  should  grasp  the  collar 
firmly  with  the  right  hand,  drop  on  the  knee  of  the  same  side  and  his  left 
knee  project  under  the  abdomen  of  the  bitch,  pressing,  slightly  .backwards 
against  the  hind  legs.  With  the  left  hand  he  can  lightly  stroke  her  coat  or 
move  it  gently  and  constantly  about  her  head  and  neck,  to  reassure  and 
convince  her  no  harm  is  to  follow.  The  other  assistant  should  stand  on 
the  left  side  of  the  bitch,  his  right  knee  meeting  and  pressing  firmly 
against  the  projecting  knee  of  the  other,  his  left  hand  grasping  the  collar 
and  his  right  her  tail.  In  this  position  the  dog  can  act  without  interfer- 
ence; the  bitch,  no  matter  how  large,  can  move  but  slightly,  and  above  all 
she  cannot  lay  down  after  sexual  union  is  complete.  The  disposition  on 
her  part  to  throw  herself  on  to  the  floor  soon  after  the  dog  has  firmly 
united,  is  an  especially  unfortunate  one.  He  generally  beomes  angry, 
possibly  unmanagable,  and  may  bite  her,  as  well  as  people  about  them. 
The  method  of  holding  her  as  advised  obviates  all  danger  of  this  misfor- 
tune. The  union,  when  they  are  thus  forced  to  endure  concourse,  usually 
remains  unbroken  for  from  forty  to  sixty  minutes;  from  this  fact  the  need 
of  strong  assistants  can  be  readily  appreciated, 

While  considering  the  conduct  and  welfare  of  the  bitch  the  dog  should 
not  bo  ignored.  His  efforts  if  unsuccessful  soon  fatigue  him  and  if  contin- 
ued, exhaust,  for  the  time,  his  sexual  vitality.  He  should  be  aided  if  the 
need  of  assistance  is  apparent.  His  purpose  can  be  more  easily  accom- 
plished if  the  hand  partially  closed,  turned  with  the  palm  upward,  is 
placed  under  the  vulva,  and  with  the  little  finger  pressed  against  the 
parts  beneath,  the  organ  be  slightly  lifted  and  supported. 

The  method  of  procedure,  thus  plainly  described,  is  in  some  instances 
essential  and  withal  compassionate.  Many  of  the  most  valuable  among 
the  large  dogs  have  been  rendered  comparatively  worthless  for  breeding 
purposes,  by  the  unnecessary  strain  to  which  they  have  been  subjected. 

The  number  of  visits  the  dog  should  make  to  insure  success  is  a  ques- 
tion in  dispute.  Doubtless  one,  at  the  correct  time  is  sufficient ;  if  re- 
peated on  the  third  day,  the  chances  of  failure  are  lessened. 

To  attempt  in  this  work  a  treatise  on  sexual  generation  is  beyond  the 
purpose.  The  brief  description  of  its  mode  of  accomplishment,  and  the 
few  practical  hints' imparted  in  a  rambling  manner,  it  is  hoped  will  prove 
of  interest  and  of  some  value.  The  subjects,  pregnancy,  parturition  and 
nursing,  are  of  great  importance.  Of  them,  in  the  near  future,  in  another 
work,"  The  Breeders'  Vademecum,"  the  writer  of  these  pages  promises  him- 
self the  pleasure  of  discussing  still  further  the  habits  and  the  needs  of  his 
friend  the  Dog. 


INDEX 


AOARUS,  134. 

Administration  of  medicine,  22. 

Amaurosis,  115. 

Anaemia,  194. 

Ani,  prolapsus,  82. 

Ano,  fistula  in,  81. 

Antidote,  general,  in  poisoning,  18. 

Apoplexy,  169. 

Appetite,  8. 

Arsenic,  poisoning,  17. 

Ascaris,  marginata,  144. 

Ascites,  193. 

Asthma,  39. 

Balanitis,  105. 

Biliary  calculi,  93. 

Bladder,  inflammation  of,  99. 

calculi,  101. 
Blain,  52. 

Bowels,  diseases  of,  55. 
Brain,  compression  of,  171. 

concussion  of,  170. 

inflammation  of  the  membranes,172. 
Bronchitis,  acute,  35. 

capillary,  35. 

chronic,  37. 
Burns  and  scalds,  202. 


Calculi,  biliary,  93. 

cystic,  101. 

renal,  102. 

urethral,  102. 
Cancer  of  the  liver,  94. 
Cancrum  oris,  51. 
Canker  of  the  ear,  119. 
Carbolic  acid,  poisoning,  18. 
Cataract,  114. 
Catarrh,  44. 
Causation,  22. 


Chest-founder,  192. 
Chorea,  176. 
Cold,  44. 
Colic,  63. 
Constipation,  69. 
Consumption,  38. 
Convulsions,  167. 
Cornea,  ulceration  of,  112. 
Cystic  calculi,  101. 
Cystitis,  acute,  99. 
chronic,  100. 

Deafness,  125. 
Dentition,  49. 

Diagnosis,  definition  of,  20. 
Diarrhoea,  65. 
Digestion  of  starch,  96. 
Diphtheria,  189. 
Dislocations,  203. 
Distemper,  181. 
Doses,  how  to  estimate,  24. 
Dropsy,  193. 
Dysentery,  67. 
Dyspepsia,  55. 

Ear,  canker  of,  119. 

external  affections,  126. 
Eczema,  127. 
Enteritis,  72. 
Epilepsy,  167. 
Erysipelas,  141. 
Erythema,  141. 
Exercise,  9. 

Expectant  treatment  of  disease,  23. 
Exudation,  definition  of,  193. 
Eye,  diseases  of,  111. 
Eyeball,  protrusion  of,  116. 
Eyelids,  affections  of,  118. 

Fasting,  8. 


INDEX. 


911 


Fatness,  195. 

Fatty  liver,  88. 

Favus,  139. 

Feeding,  matured  dogs,  5. 

puppies,  4. 
Fevers,  eruptive,  192. 
Fistula  in  ano,  81. 
Fleas,  13. 
Fractures,  203. 

Gall  Stones,  93. 
Gastritis,  acute,  59. 

chronic,  61. 
General  diseases,  181. 
General  management,  5. 
Generative  organs,  diseases  of,  105. 
Grooming,  12. 
Growths,  morbid,  107. 
Gums,  softening  of,  50. 

HEMATURIA,  J04. 

Haw,  affections  of,  117. 
Health,  definition  of,  19. 
Hepatitis,  acute,  83. 

chronic,  86. 
Hernia,  umbilical,  201. 
Hydrocephalus,  171. 
Hydrophobia,  151. 
Hydrothorax,  193. 

Icterus,  89. 
Indigestion,  55. 
Influenza,  47. 
Intestinal  obstruction,  75. 

parasites,  143. 
Introduction,  23. 
Intussusception,  75. 
Iritis,  113. 

Jaundice,  89. 

Kennel  Arrangements,  11. 
Kidney,  inflammation  of,  97. 

Lachrymal  apparatus,  116. 
Laryngitis,  acute,  41. 

chronic,  43. 
Lead  poisoning,  18. 
Legs,  crooked,  197. 
Lice,  14. 
Liver,  acute  inflammation  of,  83. 

chronic  inflammation  of,  86. 


Lungs,  inflammation  of,  31.  • 

Lumbago,  191. 

Management,  general,  5. 
Mange,  follicular,  136. 

sarcoptic,  134. 
Marasmus,  198. 
Measles,  192. 
Medicine,  administration  of,  22. 

how  to  estimate  doses,  24. 
Meningitis,  acute,  172. 

chronic,  175. 
Mercury,  poisoning,  18. 
Metritis,  109. 
Mouth,  affections  of,  49. 

Nasal  polypus,  45. 

Nephritis,  97. 

Neuralgia,  177. 

Nursing,  24. 

Nux  Vomica,  poisoning,  17. 

Obesity,  195. 
Obstruction,  intestinal,  75. 
CEstruation,  206. 
Ophthalmia,  111. 
Othematoma,  126. 
Otitis  media  or  interna,  122. 
Ovulation,  205. 
Ozsena,  46. 

Pancreas,  diseases  of,  95. 

Paralysis,  178. 

Paraphymosis,  106. 

Parasites,  external,  134,136,  139,  140. 

intestinal,  143. 
Passage  of  gall  stones,  93. 
Pasteur,  scientific  experiments,  161. 
Pathology,  definition  of,  19. 
Peritonitis,  77. 
Pharyngitis,  54. 
Phosphorus,  poisoning,  18. 
Piles,  79. 
Plethora, 195. 
Pleurisy,  acute,  25. 

chronic,  29. 
Pneumonia,  31. 
Poisons,  15. 
Polypi  of  the  ear,  124. 

of  the  vagina,  108. 
Principles  of  medicine,  19. 
Prognosis,  definition  of,  21. 
Prolapse  of  the  vagina,  107. 
Prolapsus  ani,  82. 


212 


INDEX. 


Protrusion  of  the  eyeball,  116. 

Prurigo,  138. 

Pruritus,  139. 

Puppies,  care  after  weaning,  3.  66. 

Rabies,  151. 

Rachitis,  196. 

Renal  calculi,  102. 

Respiratory  organs,  diseases  of,  25. 

Retention  of  urine,  102. 

Rheumatism,  190. 

Rickets,  196. 

Ringworm,  140. 

Roundworm,  144. 

Salivation,  52. 

Salt,  in  food,  7. 

Sarcoptic  mange,  134. 

Scalds,  202. 

Scrofula,  197. 

Scrotum,  inflammation  of,  106. 

Skin,  diseases  of,  127. 

Skull,  fracture  of,  170. 

Small-pox,  192. 

Spleen,  affections  of,  94. 

Sprains,  201. 

Stomach,  inflammation  of,  59. 

Stone  in  the  bladder,  102. 

Strychnine,  poisoning,  17. 

St.  Vitus'  dance,  176. 

Sugar  in  the  liver,  96. 


Sulphur,  7. 

Tapeworm,  147. 

Teeth,  treatment  of,  50. 

Teething,  49. 

Tetanus,  179. 

Ticks,  14. 

Tongue,  inflammation  of,  53. 

Torpor  of  the  liver,  92. 

Umbilical  hernia,  201. 
Urinary  organs,  diseases  of,  97. 
Urine,  bloody,  104. 

retention  of,  102. 
Uterus,  inflammation  of,  109. 

Vaccination-  in  rabies,  161. 

Vagina,  prolapse  of,  107. 

Vaginal  polypi,  108. 

Vermin,  13. 

Vertigo,  169. 

Vomiting,  62. 

Vulva,  affections  of,  110. 

Warts,  107. 

Washing,  10. 

Water,  importance  of,  8. 

Womb,  inflammation  of,  109. 

Wood-ticks,  14. 

Worms,  round,  144. 

tape,  147. 
Wounds,  199. 


Webster  Family  Library  of  Veterinary  Medicine 
Cummings  School  of  Veterinary  Medicine  at 
Tufts  University 
200  Westboro  Road 
Morth  Grafton.  MA  01536 


2~- 


